Stressed Spelled Backward is Desserts!

     I've heard that expression, and I've used it as an excuse to eat sweets when I'm stressed.  Not a good thing to do...so why do we do it? 
     Everyone gets stressed at times.  It may be due to your job, your health, your friends, your family or even your attempt to lose weight.  Everyone deals with stress differently.  Some people withdraw.  Others lash out.  Food is sometimes chosen as a coping mechanism. 
     I have to confess; I have to be aware of how I deal with stress.  I know I can be a stress eater.  One incident that I remember well is from high school.  When I finished taking my ACT test I stopped by McDonald's.  I ordered and consumed two Big Macs, a large order of fries, an apple pie and a large Dr. Pepper.  I also stopped by Braum's and had a triple scoop ice cream cone.  All that and I didn't get sick! 
     Sitting with my parents during their illnesses while trying to take care of my other responsibilities was also stressful.  I ate "junk" food, ate out often, and rationalized, "I'm cutting my stress by not worrying about what I eat."  Finally, my health demanded I lose weight.
      How do we deal with stress in ways that are healthy?  WeightWatchers.com has a good article called "Stress Tamers". It discusses the ways stress can manifest physically, emotionally, mentally, and behaviorally.  There are good ideas to help tame stress and the article provides a few links for more details. Exercising and talking to friends are two great ways to help reduce stress.
     The American Heart Association has a detailed article titled "Four Ways to Deal with Stress." It gives examples of positive self-talk, emergency stress stoppers, ways to combat feeling stressed with doing things you like, and daily relaxation. Other information links are on the site. There are a couple of video links in the article, in case so much reading stresses you out. (smile)
     The Emergency Stress Stoppers mentioned in the article were so good, I thought they were worth listing here.  Combining these things is also recommended, depending on the situation:

• Count to 10 before you speak.
• Take three to five deep breaths.
• Walk away from the stressful situation, and say you'll handle it later.
• Go for a walk.
• Don't be afraid to say "I'm sorry" if you make a mistake.
• Set your watch five to 10 minutes ahead to avoid the stress of being late.
• Break down big problems into smaller parts. For example, answer one letter or phone call per day, instead of dealing with everything at once.
• Drive in the slow lane or avoid busy roads to help you stay calm while driving.
• Smell a rose, hug a loved one or smile at your neighbor.

(From "Four Ways to Deal with Stress" by John Hammarley)

     My personal de-stress activities:

1. Breath Prayers- This combines deep breathing with reminding me Who's really in control.  I usually breath in thinking or saying an attribute of God and then exhale with a different attribute.  I use the same two attributes for the entire time I use this method for a specific situation.  This works well for me especially at night when I have a lot on my mind and I need to get to sleep.
2. Talking through things with friends- This helps me put things in perspective and having people I love and trust with my life offer great observations and help me take a practical approach to "getting my act together."
3. Take some "ME" time- I give myself permission to take 15-30 minutes to read, bead a bracelet, take a walk in my neighborhood, or something to take my mind off of what's so stressing.  On occasion, I've actually taken an entire weekend and gone to a cabin or hotel and stayed inside reading a couple of books and sleeping.
4. Saying "NO"- This one is still difficult for me, but I am doing better.  I have to realize that just because I'm asked to do something or participate in something doesn't mean I have to do it.  It's okay to say, "No, but thanks for asking."  I don't have to give any explanation or excuse.

     So next time you feel stressed, instead of reaching for dessert, reach for you phone to talk to a friend, take a walk, or read a book!