Everyone has negative feelings as they are a normal part of your thought process as you go through life. You aren’t trying to prevent them but learn healthier coping methods. This is especially important if you tend to turn to food or substances to deal with your emotions.
Here are some healthier and more constructive ways to deal with negative feelings.
Don’t Ignore Them
One important step, in handling your emotions in a manner is to acknowledge and address them rather than ignoring them. When we resort to using food or other substances as a means to escape from our feelings we fail to resolve them or even accept their presence; instead we are merely masking them temporarily.
It’s crucial to understand that ignoring the things that bother us will not make them disappear; it only provides relief. The more we rely on this avoidance strategy the coping mechanisms we develop that can genuinely assist us in navigating through lifes challenges.
Focus on the things you have control over
In situations there are aspects that you can modify regarding what’s troubling you. This is something considering. Of fixating on the factors that make you feel negative, about yourself others or your current circumstances try to think about what actions you can take at this moment to move towards a resolution.
Even if these actions may not immediately alter the outcome every small step you take will contribute to diverting your attention and providing you with something to focus on.
Take a Pause and Acknowledge Your Feelings
Sometimes in eating and mindful eating when you feel the urge to use food as a way to cope with emotions its suggested to take a momentary pause. Just cease whatever you’re engaged in at the moment and take a moment for introspection.
The purpose of this pause isn’t to resolve any problems. Rather it allows you to sit with your emotions comprehend their nature and origin and helps you avoid decisions that you may regret on.
If after taking this pause you still genuinely desire to consume that food or make that decision then ultimately it is your choice to do so.
Find Ways to Cope
Finally you should explore ways to manage your emotions and stress that don’t involve turning to food or other unhealthy habits as a means of distraction. It may not be a task. Over time you can teach yourself to seek out healthier coping mechanisms.
