Emotional Eating

One week post op, I inherited my 5 nieces and nephews.... plus I have 2 kids of my own.  We're managing, but it's a small space currently and we don't know how long this will be our situation.  Should it be extended we will move, but at the moment... it's playing havoc on my stress level and needless to say I was tempted to chow down in my old lifestyle way. I am just 7 weeks since opti and 4 since surgery. Lost 34 in that time... 44 in all so far. Not planning on going back, but it's tough. How do you all cope with stress now?  I did eat a handful of chips... but stopped right away.  

I love mindfulness. Here is an 8 week free course you can do online with all kind of helpful coping techniques. Check it out.

mindfulness

Will check out 

If it is not your thing just Google mindfulness and you will find a lot. My favorite site is dbtselfhelp.com

Well, I see my therapist every week and that helps.  

But really I just throw myself into things I love.  I've come to love exercise which is a great stress reliever - can you get the kid involved in some sort of informal exercise with you?  

We do go to the park daily... I haven't gotten into a major routine yet. My time is well consumed.  I agree exercise is a great outlet, this space is small so have to find something new. I normally love just working out... but that space has been taken up for the time being.

I would imagine that you have no free time at all!  So getting to the park daily seems like a great thing.  :)  Do you have a local YMCA or similar where all of you (you and the kids) could all do things?  

We're pinching pennies these days.  Our expenses practically doubled... (laundry, groceries etc...) so we're doing CHEAP things.  As long as the weather is good we can get out.  

Sometimes just a 20-30 second time out (go into the bathroom or a closet) and a few deep breaths is enough to refocus.

A mantra, like 'I can do this without food'  or 'I make good choices' can change your mood.

Hang in there, it sounds like you are doing a great job in spite of some big hurdles.

Thank you.  It is tough... but I am determined. Even if I have to duct tape the kids to the wall for 20 mins a day. LOL