Understanding why we turn to food in times of anxiety
Yes, stress eating, also known as emotional eating, is real. It involves using food to cope with stress, anxiety, or other negative emotions rather than to satisfy physical hunger. Stress triggers the release of cortisol, a hormone that can increase cravings for high-calorie, comfort foods. Emotional eating can become a cycle, as overeating may lead to feelings of guilt, which then may lead to more stress and additional overeating.
Is this happening to you? Wedding planning involves a lot of stress. For the bride, mother of the bride or groom, bridesmaids, even the groom and the groomsmen party. You may want to talk about what is giving you so much anxiety with your partner, child, or bestie. There are a lot of feelings that take place in wedding planning. Fears, frustration, desires, past, future. It can be a multi-dimensional. If it is too much for you to handle, then you need to set realistic boundaries and let your circle know what you can handle.
Finding healthier coping mechanisms, like exercise or mindfulness, can help manage stress without relying on food. Exercise reduces anxiety by influencing both the body and mind. Physically, it helps lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol, while boosting the production of endorphins—chemicals in the brain that act as natural mood elevators. This combination helps create a calming effect and reduces anxiety symptoms. Exercise also improves sleep quality, which is often disrupted by anxiety.
Mentally, engaging in physical activity provides a healthy distraction from anxious thoughts. It requires focus, whether it’s the repetition of a weightlifting set or the rhythm of a run, which redirects the mind away from stress. Additionally, achieving exercise goals, even small ones, enhances self-confidence, which helps counter feelings of anxiety.
Incorporating regular exercise, like walking, yoga, or cycling, can be a natural, effective way to manage anxiety. Its good for your health, your body and your emotional health. Win X 3!
How are you managing your stress while wedding planning? Join us on Instagram at PreciousMemoriesMoms and join this important conversation.
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