After the Binge: 5 Steps to Get Back on Track

Hellooo! It’s been a few days since I’ve written on here but, never fear, I haven’t forgot about this dear blog. Life has just been a little crazy and stressful with the ACT test and college finals. The good news is that all of that is behind me now and I can focus on what I love: enjoying this wonderful time of year! Yay!

So, for me, along with stress—and any kind of emotion, really— comes that dreaded emotional eating. You know what I mean: eating not to nourish and sustain one’s body but to satisfy a deeper craving—an unidentified need—and an effort to drown those feelings. Now I am aware that some people may resent the level at which I talk about my personal experiences, but I chose to discuss these things on here because my hope is that by conveying in a frank and honest fashion the nature of the struggles I go through, those dealing with similar issues can take courage and comfort knowing that they are not alone and that no matter how difficult things get there is HOPE. Believe me, I don’t always feel that way myself. In fact, recently I’ve been feeling quite hopeless. But the TRUTH is that even if we don’t feel it, there is hope.

The really challenging thing about emotional eating isn’t the eating, it’s the  feeling after the eating. Namely, those “I’m a big, fat, ugly, lazy, unintelligent slob” thoughts that bombard the mind in its moment of weakness. So what’s a girl to do? Well, the worst thing is to wallow in those sour emotions. You need to accept those emotions—anxiety, fear, sadness, frustration, boredom, or whatever—and really let yourself feel those feelings. That brings us to the first step:

1. Acknowledge your emotions. Not everybody feels chipper all the time. Give yourself permission to realize that you’re not feeling that great right now. What specifically is bothering you? Journal about it, if you wish. Acknowledge your emotions, accept them, let them go.

2. Start over. Your future starts now. Okay, so you binged. Big whoop. Ask yourself: “Will I even care about this in a year? A month? A week? Will it affect my life that much?” Chances are that once the act is done and you’ve moved on it can’t hurt you  any more. All that’s left for you to decide how you want to live NOW. Not the past. Not the future. Now.

3. Be compassionate: Don’t beat yourself up over what happened, your lack of self-control, or whatever it is that is re-playing over and over in your head. Remind yourself that it’s okay to make mistakes and that you are doing better already just by realizing that! Think of the progress you have made and applaud yourself. Ask God’s help and try to see yourself as he sees you.

4. Talk to someone. This is one of the hardest ones, I think. So often we feel like we are burdening and bothering other people with our anxieties. The truth is that we need each other. Is there a caring, trusted individual that you trust whom you can confide in and let your emotions out to? Call, email or chat with someone if there is no one close by. If you’re not comfortable with talking to someone, you can journal or audio record yourself. You don’t have to listen to or read it later; just let it out!!!

5. Distract yourself. Do something you love! Watch a movie (comedy is great for this, I find), listen to podcasts, take a leisurely stroll with a friend (see #4), get out of the house, draw a picture, use the computer, play a board game, do something fun with your children or siblings, go shopping, do yoga, breathe in some fresh air, take a nap if you need it, make a scrapbook, send a birthday card, look at photos…have fun!!! The possibilities are endless.

As a final note: I’m not an expert on this matter and I have just as much trouble as the next person following this advice. The main thing is just to be gentle with yourself and do what works for you. This, too, will pass. Also, for real help I suggest seeing someone such as a counselor, therapist, life coach, etc. who can help you work through these emotions and situations on a deeper level.

My prayer for you is that find peace and freedom. Take heart!