Soothed Without Food ...
 

* WAYS TO SOOTHE WITHOUT FOOD *

Someone was asking in another thread about how we could deal with stress and change in our lives -- instead of using food. I've been working on a thread in the Faith Forum called "Emotional Eating: How to Heal" where I included this post yesterday about using "REAL COMFORTS" to deal with these issues.

This is my own personal list -- what would you add to it? What do you do when you are stressed out and you need to relax?


1 -- listening to calming music; I got a new cd called "Vitality"
by Brewed Moods; it is so peaceful and soothing ...

2 -- reading good books

3 -- hugs from my furry baby (spouse & family & friends)

4 -- talking & sharing with caring people

5 -- rocking in my rocking chair

6 -- exercise (that you enjoy)

7 -- journalling (anything)

8 -- writing: I write songs and poems

9 -- playing musical instruments (my organ & piano)

10 -- singing (and practicing)

11 -- dancing

12 -- sitting on my porch in good weather

13 -- watching a beautiful sunrise or sunset

14 -- drawing or painting

15 -- crocheting or other crafts

16 -- reading the bible

17 -- being grateful, thankful, and praizing GOD

18 -- reciting mantras & affirmations

19 -- dare I say it -- loving S?X

20 -- a good cup of tea or java

21 -- a nice glass of wine

22 -- sleeping or napping

23 -- swimming

24 -- sunbathing

25 -- tai chi (my fave); or yoga, pilates, etc

26 -- watching or doing sports (that you love)

27 -- going to the beach; watching the surf

28 -- a walk or drive in the country

29 -- gardening (one of my faves)

30 -- flowers

31 -- bird-watching (our hobby)

32 -- a sitspa

33 -- a warm or cool shower

34 -- standing in the rain on a hot day

35 -- the sun shining on a cold day (ie winter)

36 -- a massage

37 -- someone rubbing my sore feet

38 -- fuzzy socks when cold

39 -- my fleece blanky while resting

40 -- getting your hair done

41 -- a manicure or pedicure

42 -- a lovely fire (fireplace or bonfire)

43 -- waterfalls (the sight and sound)

44 -- a starry night with a full moon

45 -- watching a funny or favorite movie

46 -- playing with children or pets

47 -- doing favorite puzzles

48 -- playing games

49 -- join a support club or site

50 -- meditating, contemplating, daydreaming, or Praying ...

50 + 1 -- Christmas lights & music!

52: hugs and kisses
53: talking to my parents
54: Writing a letter to my brother (he's in Iraq)
55: playing with my dogs
56: meditating
57: video games

Thanks KAY ~ those are great! I just thought of another one too ...

58 -- a mini-vacation; getting away just for day or a weekend.