There is often familiarity among my clients, struggling with similar issues and seeking like-minded goals.
The conversation that I seem to be having on repeat with clients right now (during a global pandemic) is…
“I work from home and when I need a break from work I find myself in the kitchen and snacking.”
To which my response is always “are you physically hungry?“
Answers vary from “no” to “I just need something to do that isn’t work and eating feels productive.“
So, what is my advice if you find yourself in this situation?
Depending on what led you to the kitchen it may be out of habit, seeking emotional comfort or attempting to de-stress. The key question (and I think you already know the answer) is – is this behaviour serving me right now?
To break a habit it can be helpful to form a new more helpful or aligned habit. With that, I challenge you to write down a list of 5 things that you can do instead of heading to the kitchen that may better suit you at the moment (or meet your emotional/de-stressing needs).
Here are 5 things you could do instead of heading to the kitchen:
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Go for a walk around the block. Our bodies aren’t made to sit all day anyway and if you’re working from home (like me) you may have to be a little more intentional with actually leaving the house regularly. Movement also helps cognitive performance, improves focus, reduces cortisol levels, and some fresh air is always good!
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Stretch your muscles. If you’ve been sitting for hours, I few stretches may be just what your body is craving.
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Take 6 deep breaths. When you’re feeling stressed, just 6 deep belly breaths can calm your nervous system much more efficiently than the potato chips in the cupboard.
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Brew a herbal tea. Tea can also be comforting for your body and mind. My favourites are peppermint, ginger, and holy basil.
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Try EFT Tapping. EFT stands for Emotional Freedom Technique that has been shown to reduce stress and cortisol levels. And I now use it for any emotional discomfort that comes up for me.
What to do next…
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Any questions? Leave me a comment below.
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