Many Americans develop eating disorders due to stress which can then lead to obesity. All of us are exposed to stress in some shape or form, yet surprisingly a recent study reported that such comfort foods like ice cream, chips, cookies, cakes and pizza were used to temporary cope with the demands of stress .
Its easy to grab a chocolate bar after a college final (and in some context, its even appropriate) but many Americans substitute healthy aspects of stress reduction such as deep breathing, meditating, taking time away or even speaking with a professional counselor for fast food.
As time permits, these unhealthy eating disorders develop into obesity. 67% of Americans are obese and a growing trend seems to revolve around teens.
Stress can alter ones mood, sense of humor, logic, physical strength, and emotional tolerance. First and foremost its important to identify when one is under too much stress, identifying stressful factors/events allows you to limit your exposure as well as find alternates ways to handling a stressful situation.
Rather than indulge in comfort food, here are some alternatives to reducing stress
- Spend at least 5min practicing deep breathing.
- Express your feelings through a creative outlet such as writing, drawing, painting etc.
- Monitor your exposure to high sensitive stimuli such as rap music, over exercising or social restraining factors (sitting through a 3hour play)
- Dont try to compensate your lack of energy (mental or physical) with caffeine
- Talk to someone, whether a close friend or a professional psychologist.
- Remember to smile, a smile can brighten any situation.
