How Mindfulness Can Help with Emotional Eating

From easy-to-use apps to therapy practices, mindfulness seems to be an ever-present technique for managing our fast-paced world. But is it more than just a buzzword? Research shows that being more mindful can reduce stress and anxiety, alleviate depression, support your physical health, and more!

In today’s blog post, we’re breaking down just how you can implement this powerful tool into your life with just a few minutes at a time.

What is mindfulness?

Mindfulness is bringing awareness to the present moment. This looks like tapping into what your body is feeling, what thoughts or feelings are floating to the surface, and what you can see and feel (like the sunshine on your face). That might sound intimidating—especially if you’re someone who eats to avoid intense emotions—but acknowledging sensations, smells, and in the present moment means you can let go of anxiety of the future or grief over the past.

How can it help me with my emotional eating?

Emotional eaters often reach for food to escape the present moment. Food becomes the shield between them and the feelings they don’t want to feel. Adding in some mindfulness before, during, or after you emotionally eat can help diffuse the intensity of what you’re experiencing and even help you move through feelings more quickly.

It can also help you get clearer on why you’re eating and how it makes you feel. You might be familiar with the shame and guilt that comes after emotional eating but sift through those feelings and there is a lot to learn. Mindfulness is a way to get in touch with the present moment and even diffuse some of the self-judgement.

How do I add mindfulness to my life?

The best part of mindfulness is that you don’t have to do it for long to see benefits! You might picture someone sitting cross legged with their eyes closed for 30 minutes and think you don’t have the time or patience for that. Instead, it can look like:

• As you wash your hands focus on the feel the soap’s texture and the temperature of the water.
• As you’re walking to the bus stop or your car, consider the stride of your legs and the air on your face.
• As you pet your dog or cat, feel the softness of their fur and consider how their companionship makes you feel.
• Every time you exit a building—your home, the office, the grocery store—take three slow breaths of the outdoor air.

Try adding one or two of these most days and then check in with yourself and see how mindfulness is supporting your mental wellbeing. You’ll be surprised that these little actions add up!

💛 Your peace awaits.