Food is consistent, right? You have a bad day, you reach for a cookie, you just got dumped, you reach for ice cream, you’re grumpy and have a headache, you soothe yourself with some chips and salsa, you’re lonely, you order a pizza. Food can be soothing and comforting and help you find peace quickly. Unfortunately though, the solution can then become the problem. It’s really important to stop when you find yourself reaching for food and ask yourself what your motivation is. Are you trying to make yourself feel better? What are some other things that would be soothing besides food? Food often seems like one of the best ways to take care of yourself because it’s right there, it’s consistent, and it’s easy. But if you had a list of soothing things that you could do instead of eat, might you be able to soothe yourself in a different way?
- Take a warm bath, or shower
- Light incense or scented candles and listening to music,
- Get a massage
- Do yoga
- Take a walk by a body water or the ocean
- Lay or walk in the sun
- Call your best friend
- Write in your journal
- Do self massage, rub your feet, do reflexology for relaxation
- Do art/painting/drawing
- Ask for affection from someone you love
- Watch a funny movie or tv show or talk to someone who can make you laugh
- Breath deep/meditate
- Take a nap
- Pet your dog/cat take them for a walk
- Go to your local SPCA to take dogs for walks or to pet cats
What are some other soothing activities that you do besides eating?
