It’s common knowledge that stress causes people to behave in ways we otherwise might not if we were feeling calm and comfortable. For people with food addictions, stress can easily lead to emotional eating.

Of course, negative stress can trigger anger, fear, panic, and even physical pain. In any of those states, it’s easy for a food addiction to kick in.

How can you deal with negative stress?

1. You can avoid it sometimes, but not always.

2. You can do something that relieves the stress.

3. You can resolve the problem that is causing the stress, which is the best possible outcome.

Today, I would like to share with you some ways you can avoid stress. We can explore the other two ways of dealing with stress in a future blog.

Do these three things to help you avoid situations that might trigger your food addiction.

1. Only take on projects that are meaningful to you. Of course, you have to do things at work that you may not like and you have responsibilities at home that must be honored.

I am talking about choosing to do things that you don’t really care about just to impress or please someone else who doesn’t really care about you. If your heart’s not in it, don’t do it.

2. Plan and prepare your meals in advance and follow your plan. This will help set you up for success.  Eat when you need to eat. Don’t let others pull you away from your goal. Respect your health. It is more precious than you may realize.

3. Practice self-love and self-acceptance. Pamper yourself once every week. It can be something simple and free, like a bubble bath, a walk in the park, enjoying a sports outing, or spending time with a cherished friend.

You are the most important person in your life. Accepting yourself without putting conditions on that acceptance will cause you to feel loved, safe, and happy.

Food addictions are no match for a happy heart. As Bobby McFerrin’s 1988 Grammy-winning song suggests, “Don’t worry. Be happy”.