Mindful Eating During Stressful Times

It is important to address how our behaviors have changed during the pandemic. For instance, at times the weather does not permit us to go outside, with that being said, being stuck inside can cause you to graze for food even though you may not be hungry or due to stress you may not be eating enough. If you find yourself struggling to keep a normal diet for your body type, try to increase the awareness of your food intake.

For instance, you can try scheduling when you eat your food, keep a food diary of what you may have consumed throughout the day, or you can get rid of the unhealthy food in your house so that if you are grazing at least you are eating something that is good for your body. In addition, you can even count your calories so that you are visibly able to see if you have reached your caloric goal. When eating meals it is important that you are mindful of the food you are putting into your body. Pay attention to each bite you are taking and enjoy the nourishment that you are consuming rather than scarfing the food down until you are uncomfortably full or starving your body from getting the energy it needs.

Eating is all about balance but also paying close attention to how the food affects your body. Listen to what your body needs. In addition, you also want to be aware of the thoughts you have after you consume food. If you do not have a good relationship with food you may want to try changing your habits or seek additional help due to the fact the relationship individuals have with self-esteem and food can be a very complex one. Do not hesitate to reach out during this unfortunate time, you are not alone. 

Written by Daniella Raymondi, LPC

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Covid Set Backs: Isolation results in self-destructive patterns for many

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Covid Set Backs: Isolation results in self-destructive patterns for many

Being hunkered down in our home may initially feel like a snow day until weeks and weeks start to add up. The healthiest of us might engage in adaptive behaviors like reading more, exercising more, having fun zoom talks with our friends. However, many more engage in self-defeating behaviors like social isolation, overeating, binge drinking or generally self-destructive behaviors as methods of coping with the extreme stress. While some feel more productive while at home others feel like they work nonstop. They find it impossible to set boundaries between work and personal life.

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Spring Into Action

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It seems with the advent of spring individuals think about all of the things they want to change in their life. Call it self spring cleaning. We look at our romances and decide whether it needs refreshing or a whole new look. If you’re single, you may hope that this spring or summer you’ll meet someone special. No way do you want to go through another summer without that someone special by your side.

However, it’s pretty difficult to conjure up a significant relationship without some new ideas. Where do you meet that special someone? Should you look online, depend on friends to set you up, or simply rely on meeting someone in the bar when you’re out with your friends. Today it seems ever more diffiuclt to meet people when we’re out. After all they could be a stalker - even though there really aren’t that many of those.

Wherever you meet that new individual you run the risk of being attracted to the same type of person or the exact opposite of our last fiasco. Instead, how about you work on changing the parts of yourself that keep attracting the worst person possible. Things may seem great in the beginning, they always do, however, as the relationship develops you begin to realize you’re upset.

The issues you fight about may have changed but the way in which you resolve the conflict remained the same. Maybe, you avoid saying how you feel until things get so bad that you just explode. Or, you find that you engage in behaviors that purposely piss off your partner. Why can’t you just stop and feel better about each other!

We spend a great deal of time getting ourselves in physical shape for bikini season. But, don’t pay attention to getting our relationship skills in shape for dating season. You might think you don’t need to change yourself instead you just need the right partner. Why keep spending time investing in relationships that will end up with the same outcome. Take charge of yourself and your emotional health by uncovering your unhealthy patterns. Rather, learn some healthy interpersonal skills and try them out along with your new toned body this spring!

Therapy can help. Call or email today at (312)955-0319 or info@greaterchicagocounselingcenter