Our emotions and mental outlook significantly impact our physical health, as many of us are aware. If I were to survey a group of 100 people and ask them if they engage in emotional eating, most would raise their hands. Our body weight has a profound effect on both our physical and mental well-being. Whether the day starts off well or poorly often depends on our weight or what we consumed the previous night. But remember, you’re not alone in this struggle. That’s why we seek out connections and find solace in the support of others. Attending meetings and being part of a community can make all the difference in turning a challenging day around. It helps to find comfort in the understanding of others, considering we are emotional beings. So, how can we enhance our mental health moving forward? The key is knowledge, empowering ourselves to pause and assess our mental state before reaching for something that will impact us physically.
Let’s explore the most common emotions that affect our mental health:
- Stress
- Guilt
- Boredom
- Overwhelm
- Criticism
- Stubbornness
- Perfectionism
It’s crucial to recognize when we’ve veered off course in the past. This awareness helps us identify instances of overeating. Were our emotions intertwined with it? Were we happy or sad? Stressed or nervous? Engage in an internal dialogue with yourself. Is a change in your routine affecting you? Unexpected events often disrupt our comfort zones. Instead of reaching for something detrimental, liberate yourself from the notion that you must be perfect when your life is turned upside down. Remember, what you think is how you feel, so if you believe you can’t handle stress without resorting to overeating, that’s likely what you’ll do. The more we overeat in response to emotions, the more guilt we experience. We tend to spend too much time feeling guilty. The sensible approach is to acknowledge where mistakes were made, resolve them, avoid repeating them, and let them go. Dwelling on mistakes consumes too much mental energy. People say thoughtless things, but don’t let criticism get under your skin.
When feeling overwhelmed, create a list and experience a sense of liberation as you cross off each item. Boredom can be challenging, but if you have a plan in place, you can confront it head-on. Call a friend, play a computer game, go for a walk, or read a book. Even planning tomorrow’s menu can be helpful. Try to identify what derails you and listen to your feelings instead of eating them away. Free yourself from the notion that you can only eat healthily when your emotions are quiet. When you think positively about yourself and your capabilities, you’ll be better equipped to handle the emotional challenges and obstacles that affect your mental state. Just as you take care of your body, remember to prioritize your mental well-being. Numerous articles have explored the connection between mindset and physical health. Have faith in yourself, think positively, let go of negative thoughts and people—these are the fundamental principles of good mental health.
