No one can deny the overwhelming feelings we are all facing these days because of
the lockdown - the uncertainty about when things will get back to normal, worrying
about losing our jobs, and paying the bills, all while home-schooling children.
Of course, there are certain aspects of life we will never be able to control, but one
thing I am sure of is that we have the power to control our emotions.
Interpretations
of current circumstances vary from one person to another. Some might feel burned
out because of anxiety, which could lead to more severe mental health concerns,
while others might find blessings and/or feel blessed even in the midst of the mess
currently surrounding us.
Of course, with the long history of eating disorders, failed diet attempts, and negative
body images most of us have experienced, and the additional stress of repeated
lockdowns, many find that their only source of dependable pleasure and comfort is
food.
I am a survivor of binge eating disorders. I yo-yo dieted for twenty years. As a result,
I became an anti-diet revolutionist. I no longer see food as dangerous. Instead, I
encourage others to reflect on their behavior toward food and achieve clarity and
understanding about the driving forces that compel their dietary habits.
Those forces
are emotions. I could write a book about how to help you overcome your binge
eating disorders, but because space and time is limited, I will share with you the
ultimate way to help you stop “eating your emotions”.
Resist the temptation to use food as a coping mechanism, as a balm for your
emotions, but don’t force yourself to stop, because this could lead to overeating. You
have tried many times to rely on willpower and it didn't work, right?
Again, there is
not enough space here to explain how the mind works, so let's jump into the
scientifically proven technique – Gratitude.
Gratitude is a natural antidepressant that helps your brain release dopamine and
serotonin, the two crucial neurotransmitters responsible for your emotions, and that
make you feel “good”.
When incorporated into your daily life, gratitude has the potential to become a potent
coping strategy. Gratitude helps lower stress hormones in your body by over twenty
percent.
I personally consider gratitude to be the key to overcoming the emotional numbness
that eating disorders often cause.
Choosing to have a grateful attitude can actually
alter your perception of eating, food, health, and life in general.
Gratitude anchors you to a healthy lifestyle, from making healthy food choices, to the
portions you consume, to moving your body in the right way, not just beating yourself
up in the gym.
It can even improve your relationships with your loved ones.
So next time you consider eating a bar of chocolate, instead of labelling it as bad or
unhealthy, which will lead to self-blame and self-sabotage, tap into the real emotions
in your heart and feel grateful that you have access to such a treat while many
people in other parts of the world do not.
You know what will happen then? You will find yourself feeling contented to have just
a little piece of chocolate, and being in control of your behaviour will make you feel
strong and happy.
This sense of liberation from soothing your emotions by comfort eating is priceless.
It will also make you feel better spiritually because squandering in health, in food,
and in life is inadmissible in Islam.
Remember - taking care of yourself helps you take care of others. It allows you to set
a healthy example for your family and others around you. They’ll be proud of you,
and more importantly, you’ll be proud of yourself – for replacing habit with
mindfulness, and shame with gratitude.
Above all, be patient with yourself.
It took decades for the multi-billion-dollar beauty
and diet industries to implant their false, negative programming in your mind. It will
take more than a few attempts for you to uproot it and replace it with healthy, realistic
habits that make you healthy, and happy.
