Change your mind, instantly

Emotional eating episodes can be difficult to manage because they can seemingly happen out of nowhere. Of course, on closer examination we can always find a triggering event but at the time it seems insurmountable. So if it comes on with out warning how do we manage? With an equal response.

Long term we will focus on recognizing potential triggers and creating an environment of safety rather than anxiety but short term means acute solutions. One such technique is utilizing a physical response to change our psychology.

When you find yourself falling into an emotionally charged, mindless eating situation the first step is to pause. If it feels out of control take stock of your environment and potential physical interventions. Something as simple as drinking a glass of water. Or maybe some squats. Hell, in this situation I might be okay with people doing burpees. But there’s one intervention I find has the broadest efficacy. Cold.

A cold pack or ice pack has the potential to snap us out of a lot. Ever take a cold shower? I don’t know about you but once I pop in there I can’t think of anything other than getting out. Whatever obsession or compulsion I had been mulling over is gone in an instant. Now obviously we aren’t jumping in the shower every time we encounter an emotionally difficult moment so that’s where a cold pack can come in.

Place a cold pack or some ice on the back of your neck. Splash very cold water in your face. Hold a cold pack on your forehead. Anything to change your physical state in the moment.

This is not a long term fix for emotional eating. But that takes time and consistency. In the short term we need to attack our problems acutely and with intention. Cold shocking the system is one such tool. Give it a shot and let me know what you think!