Support for Every Part of Your Wellbeing

You have often heard us say that emotional eating is never about the food, it is about the feeling behind how and what you eat.

You may want to eat six doughnuts because the sugar “coma” helps you feel numb to emotions.

Or one of your binge foods of choice might be birthday cake because you have positive memories of feeling good attached to that food.

Managing your wellbeing—mental, physical, emotional—and how your feelings react to triggers, can seem overwhelming since there are so many things to consider! This is why today we’re breaking down the 7 pillars of wellness and providing realistic ways to support each one in your life.

There is no need to overhaul your day-to-day life or try and focus on perfecting your approach to each one (because there is no such thing as perfect). After reading the explanations below, think about which one or two pillars you are called to and see if you can bring more awareness and action to that area of your life.

• Emotional: This is, of course, the one we talk about the most here at the Centre for Emotional Eating. Being more in-tune with how you feel about people and experiences is a powerful skill! This could look like journaling your thoughts and feelings or finding a therapist to help you work through grief and forgiveness. It may even involve alone time to meditate or brainstorm to get in touch with how you are feeling towards a specific challenge or trigger.

• Physical: You will never hear us tell you how to move your body or what to eat—that is not our jam! But we do know that when we move our bodies and eat mindfully, we tend to feel less restricted and more balanced. It can be tough to tune out all the social expectations of burning and counting calories but tuning into what makes your body feel good is a process you won’t regret! Here are some examples:
  • Hate running but love a spin class? Clip in, girl!
  • Love wine but it gives you a headache? Get curious about types of wine and how much is the tipping point for you (this never means you have to give it up for good, you’re just learning how to feel best).
  • Tired of focussing on exercise in terms of calories spent? Take a group class and make it into a social event or try weight training or kick boxing to make you feel strong!

Not sure where to start? We have a blog on how to find your personalized food satisfaction list!  

• Financial: This one is a bit obvious, but it isn’t only being aware of your financial situation it is about how you feel and what you believe about money (usually taught to us by our parents). To help avoid feelings of anxiety, apprehension, and uncertainty, try and implement tools to support clarity—debt is more overwhelming when you don’t have a concrete number to work with! This may be a monthly budget or starting a savings fund to help calm your nerves.

• Social: This is a big one for us emotional eaters since finding a community that supports us and we can relate to helps us feel less alone. You can start small by writing on internet forums where you can talk to others about common interests or go big and volunteer your time in order to meet new people.

• Environmental: No, we’re not talking about green-i-fying your house (although that may help with deep breathing!). Take a look at the spaces you spend the most time in. Do you love the feel of the sheets you sleep in? Do you enjoy the foods in your pantry? Does your office inspire creativity? Think about the little things you can do to improve your environment—buying hair ties that don’t slip, a bouquet of fresh flowers, getting a new fuzzy blanket for the living room—and them implement them. You’ll be surprised how much this supports your happiness!

• Intellectual: Exercise for your mind! Think about how to keep your mind active by trying and learning new things. Participating in a book club, signing up for an online course, or seeking out new travel adventures are ways to fill up your cup when it comes to intellectual stimulation! 

• Spiritual: You may see this pillar and be immediately turned off. But “spiritual” doesn’t have to mean “organize religion”, it can mean living in a way that supports your values. That could be trying reiki healing, giving money to those less fortunate, or even donating clothes. We’ll also add that journaling can be its own type of spiritual support!

💛 Your peace awaits.