Connect with Someone to Prevent Boredom Eating

An unorthodox study at York University in Toronto defined boredom as the aversive experience of wanting but being unable to engage in a satisfying activity. Researchers found that your brain flips a switch when a repetitive or less meaningful task starts to numb your state of attention and that boredom can actually foster creative ideas by decreasing awareness of what you are doing.

Like other emotions, boredom is an important signal that lets you know you are doing something that doesn’t give you satisfaction. However, eating when you are bored is an ineffective coping mechanism, as snacks only temporarily break up the monotony of your boredom by increasing the production and release of dopamine.

Snacking only temporarily excites your mind...

Unfortunately, we all have times when we have to do things that are not that meaningful at a personal level. When you have sudden food cravings, it is important that you never let your actions get ahead of your thoughts. Here are some alternatives to help you manage boredom eating:

• Connect with Someone – With COVID interrupting your daily routine, your good eating habits might have changed. Whether you are working from home or stuck in your office, try connecting with someone on social media to adjust your mindset.
• Release Excess Energy – If you are preoccupied with thoughts of food because you are bored, then find something to do that will release excess energy, such as a brisk walk around the block.
• Eat without Distractions – With so many people working from home, it is easy to find yourself snacking during meetings, working through lunch, or eating at your desk. It’s important to eat without distractions.
• Prepare Snacks Ahead of Time – Try planning for all your snacks and meals ahead of time and don’t just consider what you are going to eat but also when you are going to eat it. This will support healthy snacking.

Try being more aware of your food environment…

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. If you haven’t already done so, it might be time to let go of the traditional all-or-nothing mindset.

Only eat when your body is hungry. It's a simple strategy that requires fewer food decisions and helps you make better choices. Being more aware of your food environment will keep your head clearer and you will make better choices based on your true patterns and behaviors for consuming food.

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