How do you deal with stress when dieting

Posts: 419
7/23/12 10:48 A

First, purge the word 'Dieting'. It implies there's an end to what you're doing. It becomes another 'TASK' for you to do, and if you're already feeling overwhelmed, it's likely to be a 'task' that you give up for seemingly more important things.

Consciously, purposefully make the choosing of healthy items a stress reliever, not a stress adder.

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7/22/12 9:39 P

Home renovations is enough to make you go to Golden Corral and eat yourself through the entire buffet. I find my house being torn apart very stressful.

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7/22/12 1:52 P

Depends on why I'm stressed.
My go-tos are:
Go for a walk or run
Take ten mins to relax
Read a book
Munch on fruits and veggies if I'm in a eating craze

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7/22/12 1:12 P

I listen to a self hypnosis tape while lying on my bed. When its finished, I feel stress free and I get on with my day.

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7/21/12 11:24 P

Sounds counter-intuitive, but has worked well for me -- get mad at the stress, and refuse to let it win. Sometimes when I have little control over the bad things that are happening to me, it helps to assert myself my insisting that I WILL take care of my health, even if it's difficult to do so.

That's the only thing that kept me on track during my Dad's long illness last year. And it was hard because (counterintuitively) hospitals are TERRIBLE places to try to get something healthy to eat, and it was difficult to get any exercise. I found a way, and it was a small victory that kept me sane as things were spinning out of control in every other way.

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7/21/12 10:57 A

SAD TO SAY BUT I EAT. I TRY TO EAT VEGETABLES, AND FRUITS SO I DON'T FEEL THAT BAD

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7/21/12 10:12 A

Exercise OR a short nap. I find that sometimes I feel overwhelmed because I'm tired and can't process things well.

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7/21/12 9:49 A

I work out consistently, try to get enough sleep (difficult for me) and try to take a yoga class once a week. The working out really helps a lot. I find that if I go for more than 2 days with out getting a good work out in I get anxious and have trouble sleeping. Once I realized that, it was a lot easier getting on the elliptical every night:-)

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7/21/12 2:11 A

Well, tonight I am on the boards because I found out some disappointing news after a regular work day and that was stressful enough.

I did good things for stress today:
I ate a healthy high protein breakfast before I did anything else.
I took a few deep breaths when I found out that there was a scheduling conflict at the last minute.
I went slower today than I usually do. Tried to make my movements purposeful instead of hurried and harried.

I did some okay things:

I had excessive carbohydrates at breakfast and lunch. I had an unpleasant but necessary conversation with my brother that didn't go well.

I did some unhealthy things:

I had ice cream and and took a nap. Now Im wide awake at 11pm and trying to remember all the healthy reasons not to go snack and scarf.

Late night is not good for me to avoid eating. I'm better when go to bed and wake up early when I'm living healthier.

That's why I'm here posting. There is nothing in that refrigerator that will make that icky conversation better, or fix the people that changed my schedule today.

Hope this helps.

And good for you for posting!

HA-50

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7/20/12 11:10 P

It depends on the type of stress. Sometimes I journal (I don't always blog those journals); sometimes I take a break from work and take a walk or do something else for a short period; sometimes I take a hot bath, or discuss the issue with trusted friends. I TRY not to indulge in sweets, which is my old binge/stress reaction!

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7/20/12 1:51 P

Journal/blog frustrations. Helps me figure out things.

Talk/text/email a friend. Good reality check. Good idea-bouncer. Great solution-providers. Awesome ear who just lets me vent and I'm over it and can move on.

Baths. I don't care what time of day, I can take a bath (and often tell myself I can take one, but I better go hit that yoga mat or Wii Just Dance first). Plus, the kids hold me to it when I say I'm gonna exercise, cause they're gonna do it with me (and if I fall asleep, they hold that against me and tell me I promised!).

Do something silly with my kids. Blaring dancy music often does it. Watching a 3-year stomp to music and try to imitate your dance moves is a riot. Plus, they never turn down sitting outside and I chill out while they draw with chalk. My front porch is the calmest place I know. And for some reason, kids make me remember that it's not all horrible. I just have to push pause and appreciate what's right in front of me.

My husband...cause at infuriating as it is to him that we women seem to think we're never skinny enough or beautiful enough, he's smart enough to know I need to hear every day that I'm beautiful (including those really naughty come-pn's that he'd never say in public) and that the attempt at doing everything the best I can is inspiration enough.

So, in summary...I think I listed a bunch of people who are my support system. Those who distract me. Those who make me laugh. Those who let me vent. Those who let me listen (gives me perspective). Those who give me ideas. Those who tell me I'm doing great, quit stressing. And those who tell (or show) me to get over it and move on.

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7/20/12 1:15 P

Lately? I've just been coming on here and blogging out my stress, plus venting to my significant other. Then I go back to working on my goals.

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7/20/12 12:08 P

allow myself something that may seem decadent but in small portion

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7/20/12 11:16 A

I deal with stress by walking and reading...I can get lost in a good book, forget about stress and eating..good luck

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7/20/12 10:58 A

Ditto to Going-Strong. Find something that makes you laugh, dance or Zumba...any type of activity helps. Helping others helps also.

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7/20/12 10:57 A

Dealing with stress is a problem you will be dealing with throughout your life. It is very difficult to overcome emotional eating.. but with practice you can tame the monster. When you feel the urge to eat from stress, my best advice is to try exercise. Take a walk (or better yet a run!) listen to some uplifting tunes and go! If you can't get out of the house try reading success stories and blogs. Just keep trying things until you find what works for you. Spark on!

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7/20/12 10:03 A

I don't thats the problem, if I get too depressed or close to that time of month, I get carb CRAZY! All I think about are carbs and how I can get them. Working out definitely helps but at the end of the day when I am at my most tired and the stresses of the day are getting to me, it is SO HARD. I am working on changing evening routines so that I am doing different fun and positive things in the evenings and hopefully that will help.

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7/20/12 9:55 A

running...it is cheaper than therapy. : )

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7/20/12 8:14 A

running

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7/19/12 2:02 P

THIS (strokes of fate) is the kinda stress I am coping with now and even though I know I have no control over the circumstances and that things could even be worse, I am so out of control with trying to eat properly. And my exercise routine has changed as well and that makes things worse. Plus my support peeps have been dealing with some things as well, and my talking things over outlet is limited at the moment.....so thanks for posting at a time when I needed this message!

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7/19/12 1:12 P

As I'm sure with everyone- it all depends on the circumstances (and what I have the ability to do at the time). Most of the time, it helps to just go for a walk- either short or long- but it can just help to clear my head a bit. Other times, a cup of hot chamomile/mint tea will help to relax me. If I’m stressed because of everything I have to do, it can help to make a list of what I need to accomplish, prioritize each item, and then get to work on it!

Edited by: KENDRITA82 at: 7/20/2012 (08:40)

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7/19/12 12:14 P

oh and music helps me too... I turn on some music... get to work and that helps to get off my mind what was stressing me.

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7/19/12 12:12 P

I chew gum when stressed,,, still chewing - but at least no cals. Or I go get a big diet drink...

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7/19/12 11:18 A

Because it is warm out right now I work it off in the pool. Best stress relief ever

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7/19/12 10:43 A

I love Snappy77's "comfort list" idea. So many things are comforting, besides just food.

Personally, I also trying putting off the stress eating. If I'm at work and I'm stressed, I tell myself that instead of going out for french fries on my lunch break, if I can wait until the end of the work day, then I can go ahead and get the fries. When 6pm rolls around, I usually don't want them anymore.

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7/19/12 10:25 A

Not so well all the time. But, some things work for me - taking a long walk is my first line of defense. If it is really, really bad, I sometimes will go to bed early just to get the day over with and gain new perspective overnight. (when asleep, I cannot binge)

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7/19/12 8:26 A

I walk really, really fast until I'm out of breath then gradually slow down until I'm at my normal walking pace. For some reason this always calms me down. That or reading with a massive cup of tea.

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7/19/12 8:20 A

I tend to go out walking or really go for it during dance rehearsal

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7/19/12 6:47 A

I try to take some time each day to read, reflect, just be quiet. I know exercise helps too. Easy does it, I am thinking: i am changing and changing takes energy.

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7/18/12 9:30 P

I tend to be a stress eater but my daily walk really helps and listening to music as I do so.
It is sort of my time and sometimes I work things out while I walk. Also sleeping - getting enough sleep really helps me to maintain my balance. If I am going to eat, it is melon and fruit. Also I make me time - a manicure and a pedicure does marvelous things for me or a great facial.

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7/18/12 8:31 P

I began to diet and work it hard in June and did a great job, losing 8lbs! Then July came and I started a graduate course... the first class I've taken in over 10 years and it's online to boot! I came unglued and lost my way with food, again. But... I've started again... today... and I'm hopeful. It took me about a year to quit smoking, so I'm trying to be easier on myself for failing for a while.

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7/18/12 7:20 P

Concentration. Like most of you, I eat when I'm stressed, bored, lonely, depressed. Work is so hard sometimes, then everything else at home is magnified and made worse. SO I concentrate on getting to that next minute without giving in to the compulsion. Then one more minute, and one more.

It builds my mental strength, emotional strength, it gives me a sense of power and control over that which seems uncontrollable.

sometimes it lasts until bedtime, sometimes the feelings go away and I can then think about other things.

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7/18/12 3:23 P

well it depends what kind of stress it is.
2 much work? Yeah, then I know I need my good food ... and my breaks (sports)

But real stroke of fates? I took a BIG break cause the survival was more important then weight loss ... It took me 2 years to get back. But now I CAN be egoistic again and know that its much healthier for all of us if I eat proper and get some breaks (sport).
But while my world was upside down? No chance!

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7/18/12 3:05 P

I exercise. Exercise makes me feel better I know this. I find that running also gives me the chance to think about the things that are bothering me/stressing me and I often come up with great solutions.

I agree with Leucosiia below, it is not a diet it is changing the way you LIVE. Once I embraced that everything was so much easier.

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7/18/12 10:33 A

Don't diet.....change your lifestyle! and for general stress, Yoga.

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7/18/12 10:20 A

Food is the crutch we all have leaned on for far too long.... when you feel like "giving in" just remind yourself that it's what and how much you eat that is the key! Reach for that apple, peach, pear or tomato, not those high calorie chips and candies!!

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7/18/12 7:43 A

I think BennyMon is right that different things work for different people. For me, it's about finding other things that bring me comfort, writing them down, and then turning to that list for ideas. Some things (other than eating...) that bring me comfort are:

--sleep
--cuddling with my cat or dog
--reading a magazine
--surfing the web
--meditation
--walking in the garden
--sitting outside & staring into space
--drinking carbonated water

I think that it's very virtuous (and true!) to say that exercise relieves stress, but I do think that in the moment, it might be better to just pick something from your "comfort list"

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7/18/12 7:35 A

STRESS is the silent killer - i produce so much cortisol and my blood pressure is sky high despite all my efforts - deep breathing, smiling, coping -- etc.
but i have an old tee shirt - i bought it years ago from the gym where i went every day before work. on the back is says 'WHEN YOU WANT WHAT YOU HAVE NEVER HAD, YOU HAVE TO DO WHAT YOU HAVE NEVER DONE!'
i look at it in the mornings and ask myself - 'what can i do differently today?'
this week has been quite hard - and i have not done well - i have nursed my sick little pug since thursday from dysentary etc - been to the vet twice and she finally seems on the road to health again. but it has been long nights and very hot dry days.
i shopped and usually never buy ice cream - it was on for $1 (quart) - i bought vanilla - and i bought some sweet amaretti cookies - again - not a good choice.
last night and the night before i noshed - i was fully aware - and it was the STRESS TALKING and TAKING CHARGE.
so all i can do is start over today - my motivation has to start in the present and i cannot keep going over the past with guilt, i just look back to find new strategies.
so - it is not a perfect science - all you can do is start again - and push has hard as you can.BB

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7/17/12 10:59 P

Ugh! Stress! What is worse? I have the bad habit of eating when Im stressed...okay when I am depressed and bored too. To maintain I trying to put my mind on something else like gardening, playing with my daughter or taking a 10 minute nap...just lay to rest...its refreshing! and relaxing!

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7/17/12 10:51 P

I eat and eat ! This is something I am wanting to work on. Lately I have not felt good so I have use food for my comfort. I always start off with good attention but by the end of the day I give in Oh Oh Oh I got to this problem in check!

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7/17/12 9:02 P

Having my own cleaning and maintenance business, I know how well "Stress Cleaning" can help! I have done some of my best work de-stressing! Makes for a super nice and clean house, that's for sure!

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7/17/12 6:47 P

When I', really stressed and absolutely need to relax, I put on a "nature sounds" CD and lie on my bed and deep breathe. I must do this more often these days, as I realize I'm quite stressed. Thus my interest in this topic. I've enjoyed the ideas!

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7/17/12 11:01 A

I run - my husband says he can tell when I'm angry and running as I go much faster apparently. He says it looks like the devil himself is chasing me. Beats eating or overindulging in a cocktail!

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7/17/12 2:13 A

Go for a walk. Nothing like some good cardio

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7/16/12 3:36 P

What wonderful lists! I may have to steal some of these :). I grab my notebook and journal like crazy, sit outside on my back lawn, or turn on Frank Sinatra or flamenco and dance.

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7/16/12 2:54 P

I love the stress cleaning idea - it's productive and you avoid consuming calories!

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7/16/12 12:59 P

I use to eat everything and anything, now I grab an apple or carrot or something in the fruit or vegetable group that is crunchy. The crunch and chewing helps me calm down now.

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7/16/12 11:15 A

Aside from venting, I also have found it helpful to take a five-minute break to calm down--go to the bathroom if I'm at work, or to my room if I'm at home, and just sit or lie down and breathe for a moment, regain my composure.
I also stress-bake: find a healthy recipe and whip it up. It's especially good if it's a bread that needs kneading, because you can beat the heck out of it, and work out some frustration that way! :-) If you only know how to make chocolate chip cookies (or other less-than-diet-friendly things): freeze a couple, and take the rest to work or a friend (I pass them off on my dad's gf's kids...they love it!).
Other kitchen-related ideas: tenderizing meat, chopping veggies, and grilling.

I also stress clean.
Just find something productive to do, and really, REALLY do it--scrub it, beat the heck out of it, get it out of the way--and the best part is, not only have you worked out the stress, you have something to show for it! (And studies show that being creative and having a clean(er) house reduce symptoms of depression!)

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7/15/12 6:03 P

throwing ice if I'm angry, a soothing bubble bath or salt bath if I need soothing, a walk if I need to calm down.....lots of different ways.

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7/15/12 3:19 P

Guided meditation and deep breathing does the trick for me. I also have become more aware of what I am putting into my mouth. Now I will more often grab some fruits or something healthy instead of candy or chips. I do still falter sometimes but I have made a vast improvement in my eating habits.

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7/15/12 12:48 P

When i get stressed out i eat and eat and eat the wrong things. Now i learned a trick eat carrots apples bananas healthy things if i have to eat, for one all these things fill me up faster and they are healthy. Oh and i dont forget to water. If that dont work i play with my kids talk to my man. Or pout.

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7/14/12 4:10 P

I read "THE POWER OF NOW" by Eckhart Tolle, and remind myself that this is all we ever have.
I'm sad today to know that Slyvester Stallone's son, Sage died, who was 36. I have always loved Sly's movies and he has tried hard to be a loving father, so I feel sorry for him. His other son, Seargeoh has had autism since he was 18 months old.

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7/14/12 2:21 P

When Im stressed I ask myself is it really that important? If it is I try to problem solve. When I need a break from it all, I listen to music, watch a movie, cook, nap or get out of the house. Sometimes nothing beats a good, ugly, cleansing cry.

Edited by: SMARTCKSRULE at: 7/14/2012 (14:21)

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7/14/12 1:04 P

When I'm really stressed it's hard to do or think about anything other than what I'm stressed about. I usually get in my bed, put on a good movie and try to get my mind off of the stress. Lately though, I will force myself to do at least one exercise, and that leads me to 2 and 3 and usually by the time I'm done, my head is thinking clearer and my stress level goes down, not away but down at least.

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7/14/12 11:40 A

Sugar radar goes up and on. Overeating seems inevitable. However, the overeating is now recognized as a sign I've got too much stress (or something in my life is severely out of balance) and it's time to make a change or two or twenty.

I forgive myself for the overeating because it's a lifelong habit and right now it seems the safest and most effective way to self-comfort.

I won't let the behavior continue, however, and am taking steps to rearrange my life so that overeating will be not be my comfort-of-choice.

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7/14/12 11:14 A

I'm a very self-destructive person unfortunately. When I don't use food as a coping mechanism, I tend to amp up my dermatillomania which totally sucks. I have OCD and GAD, so it can get really bad. :( It's not a conscious thing, but I'm not sure the food thing was a completely conscious thing either. The only thing that really helps is doing something that is not compatible with either of those things. I have to have my hands busy. I used to journal all the time when I was younger, and someone mentioned that. I think I'm going to see about starting that back up. :) Thanks for the reminder.

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7/14/12 10:48 A

Old habit: eat when stressed.
New habit: go to list of stress relievers (take a walk; call a friend)

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7/14/12 8:49 A

Exercising strenously helped to take everything off the mind.

Bettie

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7/14/12 3:20 A

Drink more water.
Move
All else failing, go to bed ... sleep fixed things.
:)

Edited by: JENNYBAKER247 at: 7/14/2012 (03:26)

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7/13/12 7:11 P

It depends on the situation. Sometimes I eat other times, I curl up in a ball and cry. Neither of them are any good. Im going for a walk.

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7/13/12 5:40 P

Pacing, moaning, sighing and groaning until I am disgusted with myself; journalling; yoga; talking with friends; arts and crafts--freeform, nothing structured; taking out the guitar and cranking up the amp(when no one else is home); training the dogs. And a glass of water. In desperation I've been known to pound a pillow, but I save that for special occassions.

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7/13/12 5:11 P

When I am overwhelmed and stressed, I get up and immediately go to the gym. It is the one place where I feel like I can just breathe and let everything out. I can leave everything on the treadmill or in the Body Pump class. I tend to run harder, lift more weight and just get after it.

Edited by: SHAUNTEMC at: 7/13/2012 (17:11)

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7/13/12 2:58 P

Prayers for your mom, hope she heals quickly!

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7/13/12 1:35 P

When i feel stressed i instantly go to my room (farthest from kitchen), shut the door and then do 150 crunches, 50 bicycles, wall sits, squats, pushups and whatever else i can think of. It gets my mind off eating enough so when i calm down a bit to be near the fridge i can blog about why i'm stressed. Its worked really well and kept me from letting my emotional eater inside get loose

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7/13/12 11:18 A

I just started a new job where I sit, and sell sewing & crafts on Etsy where I sit, and I've been so busy I never go anywhere, which makes me stressed & sad. I feel like if I go anywhere I'm "losing money" by not making things for my store.

My friends have all started taking dance classes ... bellydance, burlesque, etc. We're all fat & older, but we've decided we don't care, and have signed up. It's so much fun!!!! In college I used to go to dance clubs every weekend, but I haven't been dancing in years. This way I don't have to talk a partner into going. They have all types of classes - ballroom, flamenco, etc. I highly recommend it!

SparkPoints: (95)
Fitness Minutes: (315)
Posts: 2
7/12/12 10:55 P

Hard for me to stay focused when I am stressed- I try to get out all that stress energy through physical work. These past two weeks I have been looking for a new job, stressful for me!

For the first week, when I would get finished/fed up with networking and hunting, I would be so stressed out and feeling hopeless. I responded by munching infront of the TV. Lo and behold, I got crappy sleep! I realized and accepted what I was doing, got back into working out, finding my regular sleep schedule, and the stress levels are reducing. I can actually get more done now that I am putting all this nervous energy into moving around!

Pounds lost: 0.0

0 8.25 16.5 24.75

33

SparkPoints: (1,171)
Fitness Minutes: (220)
Posts: 45
7/12/12 10:39 P

My problem is that when I'm stressed I want to talk to a trusted friend, but I can't always find one... Sometimes they aren't available...! But, that is the best for me, overall!

current weight: 158.0

173 166 159 152

145

SparkPoints: (1,171)
Fitness Minutes: (220)
Posts: 45
7/12/12 10:36 P

Good tips!

current weight: 158.0

173 166 159 152

145

Posts: 1,332
7/12/12 10:32 P

Avoid avoidable stress by making healthy food and lifestyle choices. If I eat well and exercise, at least that part of my life isn't stressful. I'll have more energy and health to get me through the stress!

current weight: 129.4

132 128.25 124.5 120.75

117

Posts: 6,037
7/12/12 10:04 P

To relieve the stree stop dieting. When you constantly struggle with what to eat and when and how then yes you will stress. Its time to step back and re evaluate. Its not a diet its a lifestyle.

current weight: 251.0

338 312 286 260

234

SparkPoints: (604)
Fitness Minutes: (290)
Posts: 2
7/12/12 10:03 P

I love the idea of doing something positive or enjoyable in times of stress. A lot of times, I am stressed because I am trying to be too many things to too many people. So, the idea of taking a quick inventory of what is bugging me, setting a plan for what I can do to solve any of them, and then 10 minutes of me time to enjoy, seems like a wonderful way to alleviate stress. When I am upset, the thought of working out just stresses me out more! Plus, I don't want to associate exercise with all of the negatives of stress. I think it's a great way to proactively relieve stress, but in the moment, it has never worked for me.

Can't wait to try this next time I want to stress eat!
That won't take long!!!!