Stress eating is one of those common things we do, and then regret later. Really, it’s completely understandable that when stuck at home and bored, eating our feelings away is a coping mechanism to many of us. However, since the current crisis may be lasting a while, you don’t want to get out of it overweight, unhealthy and depressed, do you? Therefore, controlling your stress eating is not only going to help you keep your lifestyle, but also to become more aware and understanding of your own feelings.
Furthermore, overeating without doing any physical activity to compensate might just increase your stress and anxiety level. For that reason, even when stuck at home, you can do a few activities to release the tension, take your mind of eating, and kill some time while being productive. Here are 5 tips to make it out healthy and in good shape from this Covid-19 quarantine.
Practice Mindfulness
You can practice mindfulness by doing meditation, and also by reading practice-books. One of the best-selling books that I can safely say changed my life in terms of becoming more mindful, is The Power of Now by Elkhart Toll. In addition to allowing you to be more present, it motivates you to meditate, even for 10-15 minutes a day which will spread more positivity to your life. Netflix is a good way to kill time, but it’s not good for your mental and emotional health to binge watch TV all day. Moreover, practicing mindfulness will also help you become aware regarding your eating habits, and help you adopt a Mindful eating strategy.
Prepare Your Meals
Now that you have slightly more time at home, don’t just order food that you crave, instead try to make it yourself at home. Besides spending simulating your brain through a healthy activity, you can also learn a thing or two in the process. Above all, preparing your meals will help you stick to a ”eating schedule” and that would lower the risk of ”snacking.’‘ Furthermore, meal preps will help you control your portions, and adopt a healthy regime to stay healthy.
Switch To Healthy Snacks
Speaking of snacks, few things feel as amazing as opening a bag of chips while watching your favorite movie/TV show. Yet, doing this during the whole confinement period will have severe consequences. Instead, and not to deprive yourself completely from snacks, you can just switch to healthier options. Yes, you can still have the potato chips you are craving, but they will be homemade. You can also make some zucchini chips to change a bit. Experts also recommend a daily dose of nuts, seeds, avocados, beans, and eggs as they are a high source of fiber and vitamins, as will as they can fill you up.
Stay Hydrated
Drink a lot of water, fluids and a consistent consumption of fruits and veggies. Not only does water boost your defense mechanism and immune system, but it also helps you cut down on unnecessary food. Furthermore, if you start your day with a cup of water with a fresh slice of lemon or orange, you will be detoxing your body as well. According to research, adding fruit to water is an efficient tool to prevent dehydration, which affects your mood, attention, and energy levels, as well as your eating habits (aka stress eating.)
Exercise
Finally, to fight boredom while stuck at home, get in the habit of exercising. Although you may be used to finding your motivation in hitting the gym, keep in mind that if you don’t remain as active at home, your body will notice. Moreover, exercising is generally known to boost your mood and reduce stress. As a consequence, this will help you control stress eating. Not to mention the benefits of physical activity on your feelings, as it releases endorphins (happy hormone) which you need to stay positive now more than ever.
Photos: Freepik.
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