it’s possible for you to call it comfort eating, stress eating or emotional eating.
Its whatever headspace you are in, Wallpe says.
We all deal with stress in different ways, Wallpe says.
You are working from home now, and your pantry is in the same room as where you work.
With that outlet gone, the fridge has become our newest confidant and our most accessible friend.
Give that feeling a name and be present with that feeling.
Is it the news?
Is it social media?
Is it a family member who can only talk about the pandemic?
Remind yourself that you cannot control these people or things.
take a stab at focus your energy on what youcando to lessen your stress that does not involve food.
Set a daily alarm like you used to.
Have set meal times.
Schedule a daily check-in with a friend.
Anything that provides stability or structure will be a comfort during these uncomfortable times.
You know yourself and what helps take the edge off.
imagine yourself riding the chaos like a wave.
The wave will rise, it will crest and then it will recede.
Ride this wave as best you’re able to.
Wallpe suggests asking yourself if you are physically hungry oremotionallyhungry.
While youre on hold, perhaps refer back to one of your coping activities to help the time pass.
These moments of pause will help you decide what you are truly cravingCheetos or a hug.
Take time to honor the chaos
Recognize that the state of our world is insane.
Give yourself the chance to grieve what has been lost, but also recognize that this too shall pass.
Wallpe asks you to imagine yourself riding the chaos like a wave.
The wave will rise, it will crest and then it will recede.
Ride this wave as best you’ve got the option to.
We dont know when the peak will come, but itwillcome.
People who binge often feel out of control and become secretive about their eating habits.
Everything is exacerbated by COVID-19, and your normal ways of coping might not be enough.
If you find yourself in crisis, reach out for help.
While therapists physical offices might be closed, access to mental health professionals is still available.
[As a profession] were transitioning into telehealth, offering video conference or telephone calls, says Wallpe.
Most communities also have crisis lines open 24 hours a day if you are in need of immediate support.
While it might not seem like it at the moment, quarantine will not be forever.
In the big picture of thinking, this is but a season.
