In the last Healthy Living article, we talked about how to STOP the vicious cycle of overeating and depression. And I ended with getting through those late night urges to overeat. If you’d like to reread it, here’s the link: www.examiner.com/article/stopping-the-vicious-cycle?cid=db_articles.
Now see what happens when the alarm goes off in the morning. My experience has been that when you succeed at not giving in to overeating at night, the next morning, it’s a lot easier to get up on-time. You’ll feel more energetic and ready to take on the day. Why? Because by not feeding the saboteur the night before, you fed the stronger, healthier part of your mind. You fed your “SELF”! You’ve made yourself feel stronger, more capable, and in-control.
Now start all over again, and do the same thing today, and tomorrow. I know it’s hard, but you can do it. Moment by moment, one day at a time. Remember, giving in to the saboteur is NOT AN OPTION! You feed it just a little bit and it will grow into a monster and take over your life. After consistently sticking to the new cycle for a few days or a week, people notice a dramatic improvement in their moods. They are less depressed. They may be just as stressed as the week before. Stressors today are very real and valid and don’t just disappear overnight. However, people feel better able to deal with the stress. They feel like they have a floor underneath them. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard people say, “my anti-depressant seems to be working fine now.” And it’s the same anti-depressant they thought had stopped working.
Here is your new cycle… 1. Identify when you’re feeling “emotional hunger” rather than physical hunger, 2. Don’t overeat—wait til your next meal and journal your food and feelings, 3. Get through the nighttime emotional crash without overeating, and 4., wake up feeling strong, capable and confident. This is not a vicious cycle, it’s invigorating and cathartic! And every day, every moment that you stick with it, you get stronger and more confident, building your self-esteem, strengthening your mental muscle, and growing into the best of yourself. You’ll be amazed at how this permeates other parts of your life, and you’ll find things changing all around you too. One seemingly tiny change turns into something MASSIVE!
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