It is a sad reality in privileged wealthy countries, that some people will overindulge in food, in order to compensate for a void in their existence.
Although medical help is the most adequate, it is good to know that a few everyday tips are also at hand:
- Food journal: write down food items, drinks, time of consumption; and very importantly, the feelings and thought process at the time. Start slow, be kind to yourself. And be HONEST.
- Which brings me to my second point: be KIND to yourself, forgive yourself, love yourself. This is extremely important. You have a cross to carry, like most of us: and you are trying your best.
- Calorie-counting is NOT a great idea; especially if you already have a tangled relationship with food. You might become obsessed with what you eat. Nobody wants that.
- Starving yourself, when dieting to lose weight: NOT a good idea. Drastic diets will make you hungry, get your body to pile on as soon as you stop the restrictions; AND will get your mind fixated on your next meal (You might want to be able to concentrate on your tasks at work…).
- DO NOT see food as an ENEMY. Reconcile with eating. It is a scientifically-proven need for our body and mind. It is not harmful. Love your food. Just think twice before that ice cream sundae; and moderate yourself…
- Dieting: slowly does it.
- Rediscover your body, and your body’s needs. Exercise will help a great deal with that. Yoga or and relaxation too.
- Regular exercise does not have to be strenuous. In fact it shouldn’t if you are a beginner, or even an intermediate. Otherwise your body and mind will rebel; and you’ll quickly tire out of your routine.
- Write your goals: whether it is to do with dieting; getting out of the overeating rut; your general mental well-being; personal or professional goals for your life. Write a list, daily.
- DONT compare yourself to others overmuch. A bit of emulation does no harm; but obsessing over a filtered image on Instagram, feeling inferior to that “always perfect” girlfriend: that’s just insane. Stoopid.
- Pray. Works for me. Go to a quite place: church, field, park, bench, meadow, back garden, bedroom… Sincere prayers are best. Do not be afraid to let go.
- Music. Definitely. For relaxation, exercise, inspiration, motivation… Find your MOJO. Listen to good stuff too: try and find something with a composition element to it… (I know: tricky, right, in recent pop music?… But if that’s your sage stick, then go fetch it!)
- Remember that “void in your existence” we talked about earlier?… Well, try and fill it. See how you can succeed, step by step… Whatever it is. Look at that journal again: expand it. Buy another one. Start a third one. Be bold. Be brave. Enjoy the journey!
- Let me know how you get on?.. Or don’t. It’s your life. Own it. Like Oprah, y’all!
Sandrine is a writer and artist based in London.
http://www.MidnightNotebook.com