What are your new coping mechanisms now that you can't stuff your face???

[blahblahblah 4]

Hello!

I'm finding myself to be getting very easily upset and realized it's because I can't just stuff something in my mouth when I get upset. I have three children under 3.5 and I can't keep being so angry...it's just not good for any of us. I need to find something that can take the quick edge off of it.

So, what are all of you doing to calm yourself when you are angry or console yourself when you are upset?

Thanks in advance!

Rain

[Manatee 4]

Try taking up smoking :car:

For me, I've found that I'm now a lot more aggressive/assertive than I've been in the past. Between the slight loss in weight and not being able to sublimate when things bother me, I tend now to just take things straight on.

Maybe not the best way to handle things, but then again the jerks always seem to get ahead :car:

[_Becca 0]

I feel ya- I have three kids, too! I have been using the computer to distract me and I started eating crushed ice. It is sooo hard though!

[insubordination 0]

I haven't figured that out yet. Perhaps um...self-pleasure. Of course, that wouldn't be appropriate at all times.

Seriously though, I think that you have to figure out why you eat.

Pleasure: Find something pleasurable

Stress: Meditate

Procrastination: Have a list of tasks to attempt

To supress feelings: Express them or get a punching bag

Hunger: Focus on nutrition

This sounds all amazingly rational. I don't do any of it. I'm hoping to learn in time.

[blahblahblah 4]

Manatee...I don't know if that would work for a woman...and it's not everyday people that anger me (usually)...it's my kids and husband...probably because I seem them the most...My girls are too little to have to deal with atilla the mom.

Becca...Crushed ice sounds good...How old are your kids?

Jack...I would love to self reflect....I'm working on it...Sometimes I don't like what I see.

Insubbordinate...I tried the whole pleasuring myself thing...but it was awkward while pushing a stroller at the mall.... :car: Hope you find your zen soon as well!

:car:

Thanks ya'll.

Rain

[Chris_NJ 9]

I walk or have a sugar free ice pop. Putting on my ipod and just taking off by myself for an hour walking tends to clear my head of most things.

[crazycat 2]

I called....Pain. I forget all about being hungery.

[TRANAM1955 1]

LOL...I had to chuckle as I read this new post...the stress has been a big factor since I quit smoking in May. I have been so stressed my only option has been to sleep!!! I was going to work, coming home, and do only neccessary household chores, finish emails and go to bed. When I traveled, I would be asleep in the hotel by 6 pm. So....I finally went to my Medical Doctor and said. "Robert, this is not working, I am so stressed I am gonna bust"...and I voiced my concern about starting back smoking when I attend an educational training in Conneticut in August for 2 weeks. At 52, I do not want to resort to bad habits...so, for the first time in my life, I am taking Zannax. Low dose and hopefully short term, but I can not pick up any of my old vices....DRINKING, EATING, CRAZY RELATIONSHIPS, SMOKING, ETC...I am a "snow white" at 52...lol...but I can work my way through this with a strong relationship with God, a way to vent my feelings ( on this forum ) and taking each day as it comes.

I am sure I will seek counseling to deal with all these frustrations, but right now my work load is heavy, and it is difficult to schedule appointments I can keep. September should be better!!!!

Good luck to all of us on this emotional but rewarding journey!!!!

[sweet_liberty 1]

I am still pre-op but decided I would need something to occupy myself for when I am post-op and cannot entertain myself with a quart of Ben and Jerry's.

So ..I taught myself to knit. I've always been fascinated with knitting, it was one of those things my grandmother always did and it just seemed so relaxing ..plus, with an added bonus that you're making something in the process and when I am not making something for someone specific, then I donate what I am making to charity, which makes me feel good about myself for helping someone else out.

I find that it really consumes my usual boredom and I don't think about food, my mind is focused on the pattern and I just sort of get lost in it.

Maybe you can teach yourself a new skill or take up an old hobby?

:peace:

Libby

[OH Juli 15]

I have a small child. I know your concerns...

There are times when I say to myself, "It's really not okay to beat her!" when she's pushing my buttons....

I give her a time out and I give me a time out....you know, a few minutes on the stairs to cry and reflect and feel sorry for myself and hope she loves me still...it all ends with a hug. No food.

Maybe it's too much to do with three little ones, but sometimes, like before you'd manage a way to get the food in. You can manage a way to go and sit, just for a few minutes until the situation difuses.

[Oregondaisy 2,021]

I exercise. I know it will be hard to do with 3 little kids. Some gyms provide day care, if you can afford a gym membership.

Otherwise, try to find someone to watch the kids so you can go for a brisk walk. I am amazed at how much better I feel after some sort of exercise.

[kity 2]

Go to Amazon and order some Meditation for Beginners. I am continuing my counceling and that is helpful. I do know "getting to know the new me" is a long journey, I am sort of impatient too, so it is hard.

Meditation helps!!