Connecting with Someone Can Be a Distraction to Boredom

Studies have shown that people attribute boredom to being a problem in their environment rather than a problem within themselves and changing one’s perception maybe the solution to treating its negative effects. Whether at work or home, eating serves as a coping mechanism and snacks break up the monotony of your boredom.

Unlike primary emotions, such as happiness, sadness, fear, anger, or surprise, boredom plays a secondary role alongside other social emotions like sympathy, embarrassment, guilt, pride, or envy. When boredom is present, it is often self-associated with negative emotions and rarely with a positive one.

Boredom is responsible for a healthy release of creative notions…

There are noticeable differences in actual hunger and emotional hunger that often triggers boredom eating. Food cravings can fully consume your thoughts, but just as easily as your mind gets into these situations, it can get you out. Check out the alternatives discussed below:

• Connect with Someone – It is no wonder that snacking can be a daily struggle. Whether you are working from home or stuck at the office, boredom can get the best of you. Try connecting with someone via a phone call or text message.
• Release Excess Energy – Playing a musical instrument or another artsy craft, can allow you to release excess energy as an outlet by doing something creative with your hands.
• Eat without Distractions – There is a natural delay between when you consume food and when it reaches your stomach. That’s why it takes up to 20 minutes to feel full, so avoid eating when anything else is occupying your attention.
• Prepare Snacks Ahead of Time – Most snacks can be prepared ahead of time even if you plan to cook the food later. Fixing snacks ahead of time allows you to control portions and plan for the dietary intake.

Take time to enjoy any food you decide to eat…

If you find yourself boredom eating, you should mindfully prepare snacks at home. That way you are eating foods you intended to consume and have planned for both the nutrients and calories. Mindful eating is not easy, and it requires some effort to tune in to your physical hunger rather than eating a meal or snack at any time of the day. Nonetheless, it is an eating style that provides tangible benefits to help you avoid emotional and boredom eating. If possible, try to keep eating and work separate. Remember, eating at your computer desk or while you’re doing chores can be equally distracting as pigging out in front of the TV.

Managing habits like emotional eating is just one piece of the weight loss puzzle, but it is likely the most important one. At Metabolic Research Center, our experts offer comprehensive solutions with a personalized plan.