11 Healthy Ways to Curb Emotional Eating

It’s true what they say – change your movement, change your mind! The connection between your mind and your body is powerful, so when you move your physical body it can actually change your state of mind. Invite a friend along to make this practice even more effective in lifting your spirits!

It is impossible to feel stress or anxiety at the same time as gratitude, which makes gratitude journaling the perfect way to interrupt your bad day! Sit down in a cozy spot with a pen and paper, or even the notes section of your phone, and make a list of 5-10 things that you’re grateful for, even if they’re as simple as the smell of your shampoo, or your favourite purple pen!

Getting outside can do wonders for alleviating any negative emotions that may be causing you to consider reaching for the snacks! Studies have proven that getting out in nature boosts endorphin levels and dopamine production, which promotes happiness. Buh bye stress, hello Mother Nature!

Seriously – it’s that simple! Petting an animal is scientifically proven to lower cortisol levels and stimulate the release of dopamine and serotonin in the body, helping you maintain a positive mental balance. Don’t have a pet of your own? Head over to your local animal shelter! They need the snuggles as much as you do.

A nice, long soak is a wonderful way to soothe your mind and soul. Light some candles, turn on some relaxing music, and let your troubles melt away in a hot bath! Try adding epsom salts and a few drops of lavender oil to make it an even more blissful experience. Bonus tip: Apply a calming face mask for stressed skin while you’re soaking! Mmmm.

Having a solid social support system can greatly improve your ability to cope with negative emotions. Make an effort to connect with someone in your circle when you’re feeling the temptation to take the edge off with emotional eating! Go for a quick walk with a coworker, call a close family member, or stop by to visit a friend.

Focused concentration is an effective tool for controlling stress and decreasing anxiety. Sometimes taking the time to pause and practice mindfulness is all it takes to reset and reprogram the mind. Try a meditation app like Calm or Headspace if you need a little guidance!

Turning on a good movie, and letting yourself get lost in it, can be a wonderful escape from the stress of every day life. The key is to make sure that you choose a mood-boosting movie, and not a stress-inducing drama or horror film! Try “Tony Robbins: I Am Not Your Guru” if you’re looking for some extra motivation, the “Transcendence” series on Gaia TV for inspiration, or a funny comedy like “Bridesmaids” if you just need a good laugh!

There’s something to be said about curling up on your couch with a captivating book or tuning in to an engaging podcast when you need to shift your focus. If you’re more of a reader try You are a Badass by Jen Sincero, or Girl Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis. For you podcast listeners, I recommend Earn your Happy with Lori Harder, or our very own Healthy Life Redesign Podcast!

Give yourself permission to rest. Research suggests that a 30-minute nap can actually reverse the hormonal impact of a poor night’s sleep, which means less stress, better judgement, and a balanced mood. Sweet dreams!

Fight the funk by taking action! If you can identify something tangible that you can tackle first to create momentum in your day, do it! It doesn’t matter if that starts with something as simple as making a list or making your bed, just take one step forward and keep going, one foot in front of the other. You’ve got this!