Emotional and Stress-Eating, Life Coaching

Overwhelm happens when it feels like you’re not in control. When things are stressful and you are about to reach for food, here’s an activity you can do that might calm you down: figure out what you can control and what you can’t control.

Here are a couple of examples in the context of Christmas holidays:

1. Someone doesn’t like the gift you got them

What you can control:
The intention you had when you chose and gave the gift. If you used what you knew about them and gave them the gift with good intentions, that’s all you can do. No-one is a mind-reader.

What you can’t control:
Their reaction. It might not even be about the gift but might be about something it reminded them of, something that happened that day, or Christmas overwhelm.
There might be a chance for you to discuss the reaction at some stage, and you might find out what has happened. If you know you acted with good intentions, you can be part of that conversation without guilt.

2. There’s a family argument over Christmas dinner

What you can control:
Your actions during the argument. Are you staying present enough to know when to withdraw or take a different tack? Arguing when emotions are high is hardly ever a good idea. Remember, you don’t have to show up to every argument you’re invited to.

What you can’t control:
Others’ actions. While you can’t control those, you can ask clearly for what you want, especially if the argument is at your place.

Are you sensing a theme: you cannot control other people’s actions and reactions. But you can control yours.  Take action from that point of view.

Photo by Gayatri Malhotra on Unsplash