Stress Eating and the EconomyAs more people worry about money and the economy, experts say that many women have turned to emotional eating to cope with the added stress. Even if you're not worried about your own finances, you may find yourself affected by the stress of people around you. Find out how to avoid gaining weight from emotional eating caused by financial stress. How to Control Emotional Eating Caused by Financial Stress 1. Face your feelings. You may be tempted to avoid taking a closer look at your financial situation or spending a lot of time thinking about how you feel. However, avoiding your feelings or the details of your situation can often lead to dread about the unknown, guilt about not being able to "fix" or "handle" it, and a feeling of losing control. Give yourself time to acknowledge your feelings and face your financial situation directly - you'll be better prepared to respond without turning to stress eating. 2. Find comfort outside of the kitchen. If money is causing you stress, you may be turning to "comfort foods" for relief. The truth is, you may actually need extra comforting right now, but stress eating can lead to unwanted weight gain and health problems. Instead, look for alternative comforts. Do you enjoy long baths, a good book, or watching old movies with a friend? Give yourself permission to be comforted, but look for methods that don't involve high-calorie junk food. 3. Control what you can. If a turbulent economy is making you feel out of control, you may find it helpful to focus on small things that you can control. Try taking a proactive approach to your health and go for a walk every day or eat more fruits and vegetables. If you crave order and control in your surroundings, spend a few minutes organizing a drawer or cleaning out a closet. Taking control of what you can often helps relieve the stress of the things you can't control. |
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