First, my apologies for the lateness of this post. I was traveling this weekend, and then recovering from lack of sleep.
Last week at work, I had a day where I was anticipating a negative response to a decision I had to make. Ultimately, it turned out to be a non-issue, for the most part, that I had built up in my head. The really interesting part for me was observing my own stress response.
My first reaction was to seek advice from a co-worker. How can I minimize this (potential) confrontation/complaint? I felt my cheeks flush, and my heart rate increase. I definitely wanted to run away from this conflict!
It was time for me to get my lunch, and I was craving chips. And pop. Junk food. Anything but the healthy salad I was about to prepare. I looked at the clock, and I didn’t think I would have time to go to the store AND make salad AND eat before I had to open for the public. There was a very loud conversation going on in my head.
“I WANT CHIPS AND POP!”
“I have everything here for a healthy and very yummy salad.”
“I DON”T WANT THAT. IT’S BORING. I HAVE THAT EVERY DAY.”
“I have it every day because it nourishes my body and tastes good, too.”
“CHIPS WILL MAKE ME FEEL BETTER. REMEMBER, THERE’S GOING TO BE A PROBLEM LATER.”
“I don’t need chips. That is just the stress response talking.”
“CHIPS! AND CAFFEINE! NOW!”
“There isn’t enough time. And I really don’t need it.”
I can’t really think of another time that I’ve been a true observer of my response in that way. Yes, I am very grateful that the clock was a limiting factor. It certainly helped support my will power. I also think being able to observe that the craving was really just a response to the stress (that my mind made up) helped me stay strong and not give in.
And, having this incident to look back at has helped me continue to observe myself. Is this craving because I need something from this food? Or is it a response to stress? And I have maintained my chip resistance! Chocolate, on the other hand… we won’t talk about that. 🙂
What do you crave when you feel stressed? And do you give in to the cravings? Or are you able to resist? What helps you stay strong when faced with temptations?
I’d love to get your comments below!
Blessings,
Mary