I don’t really diet and I am not a heavy girl. I typically weigh about 145lbs and I am 5’9”. But when I am under any amount of emotional stress I generally don’t eat much and I start getting really active. When I am sad my mind is generally preoccupied and eating is the last thing I am thinking about. I eat if someone asks me if I’ve missed a meal but otherwise unless my stomach is growling I don’t eat. I also exercise more. The physical strain of a good run or workout allows me to focus on something other than my emotional pain so one two mile run turns into three, a walk and about thirty minutes on a bike or doing some strengthening.
All of my stress avoidance has resulted in a 10lb. drop in my weight in about ten days. What an effective diet! But seriously, yesterday I walked to the neighboring town about two miles away and ate half of a cheese pizza and drank a huge glass of soda. After I did it I felt like I should probably go for a run so I ran the two miles back to the house after a pretty brisk two mile walk to the pizza place. I am good at maintaining my weight and taking care of my body. Right now I am just not doing that.
The stress of emotional trauma can severely affect your physical health along with your emotional well-being. Some people lose weight, some people gain weight during stressful periods in their lives. The trick is not to overdo it. You should keep to your normal diet and level of exercise. If you are stressed and don’t get a lot of exercise then exercise can be a great way to distract yourself from other problems you may be experiencing. You just have to do everything in moderation. Supplementing one unhealthy situation with another isn’t helping anything. You shouldn’t be punishing yourself because it easier than working through your emotional issues.
JWo
/ September 17, 2012So sad but true… We’ve all been there and I hate when others are going through it.
But damn, much respect for walking 2 miles to eat pizza then running back. Don’t think I could have (or would have) done that.
Hang in there… Better times are ahead.
trjensen
/ September 17, 2012Thanks J! It will take more than some guy that didn’t realize what he had to break me. I feel pretty beat up but I am staying strong.
Aurora HSP
/ September 17, 2012This is so good and so right on for me right now. Can I share?
trjensen
/ September 17, 2012Of course you can!
Cakes McCain
/ September 18, 2012Cheers! (This is the reason I am giving away the rest of the brownies I made last night.
)
trjensen
/ September 18, 2012Good woman.
stilllearning2b
/ September 18, 2012It was a bit funny in the first few weeks after my husband left. I don’t eat when I get stressed so I dropped 20 lbs off my already-slender frame. My mom, who came into town to help out, eats when she is upset. We made for quite a pair:) Hope you renormalize soon!
trjensen
/ September 18, 2012I am trying to keep myself in check.
stilllearning2b
/ September 18, 2012I hope that those around you in your real and virtual worlds can help keep you in check too:)
Lorna's Voice
/ September 18, 2012I’m like you–stress shuts down my appetite. Lots of people suffer from the reverse. I guess I’d rather have it our way than the other…
trjensen
/ September 18, 2012True story
Kat
/ September 18, 2012Keep keeping on, tr. you’ll be in a better place soon.
trjensen
/ September 18, 2012Thanks Hon!
A Dog With Fleas
/ September 19, 2012I hear ya!! I too don’t eat when I’m stressed. Just don’t have the appetite. Will take your advice to take care of yourself and exercise. Happy you are doing that for yourself!!
trjensen
/ September 19, 2012I always try to take care of my body but I have been doing too much and I am trying to be more mindful of what I am doing.