Take a Power Nap to Restore Your Energy Level

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Since boredom drives you to participate in behaviors that result in pleasure, it isn’t difficult to see how easy it is to make a tendency for bored-eating to become a bad habit. Some people reach for a cigarette but for others food does the trick.

True hunger pangs will grow stronger the longer it has been since you’ve last eaten.

While it is common for people to eat when emotions are high, such as anger, stress, or sadness, it is important to have a snack plan that doesn’t include raiding the fridge or pantry. Every now and then, take the time to just do nothing and embrace doing nothing. You might be surprised how quickly you will learn to value these moments and enjoy being disconnected.

How to avoid cravings caused by boredom…

If you are craving real foods that are naturally wholesome and filling, chances are you are experiencing true hunger. Here are some tactics that can help you avoid giving in to food cravings caused by a temporary state of boredom:

• Take a Power Nap – Findings show that a short nap has important restorative effects on how you feel the rest of the day. In fact, a 20-minute nap is positively associated with managing several metabolism-related diseases, including excess belly fat.
• Plan for Distractions – When you’re mindlessly working on a task at hand and have a food craving, try brushing your teeth. It supports good dental hygiene and will serve as a distraction and the fresh taste will make you less likely to snack.
• Hydrate Your Body – Drinking water help take up space in your stomach, which will keep you feeling full longer. Make it a habit to drink a glass of water whenever your brain suggests it is time to eat.
• Healthy Snacks – Substituting a fresh leaf of lettuce for bread will create a healthier a much healthier wrap for your designated snack time. Lettuce is about 95 percent water, which will help you stay hydrated throughout the day.

Make it easier on yourself by having a backup plan…

Whether you intend to eat a snack or not, a plan for when you suddenly feel hungry means you won’t have any other decisions to make in the moment. Remember, when you are trying to overcome food cravings, it is easy to engage in addictive eating, binge eating, or boredom eating.

The first step in developing a good habit to help you control boredom eating is to describe exactly what you will do when you recognize you are not hungry but are having food cravings. Begin eating mindfully by exploring a small piece of food using as many of your senses as possible.

When you change the way you approach boredom eating, there is no limit to the long-term health affect. At MRC, we show you how interrupting bad eating habits allow you to become the best version of you. Call today for personalized assistance.