Eating Out of Boredom

Boredom never killed anyone, but it can lead one down the path to death. Eating when bored is something many people do when alone just trying to get through the moment or the day. Combating this ailment does not have to be that difficult.

Sitting in traffic with only the repetitive sounds of the engine and the radio can begin to put you in a lull. You look over to the passenger seat and that bag of cookies you took for a portion of lunch sits right there. What better to pass the time? Are you really passing the time by mindlessly eating though? No. Pop in an audiobook and enjoy an uplifting book that will take you away to a fantasy land and before long the cars will suddenly be moving. Make a mental list of things you need to do or think a hard decision through while you sit in the parking lot of traffic.

Couch potatoes get the name from mindlessly scarfing down potato chips on the couch for hours on end. It just seems the tradition is to munch while you watch. Ask yourself why you are reaching for that snack? Does the television show really warrant throwing down some extra calories? If you just have to watch your show then put the snacks away and concentrate on the show.

Being with a group of friends or acquaintances out to dinner can lead to eating out of pure boredom. If you feel uncomfortable or out of the conversation reaching for the chips or the bread bowl seems so much easier than engaging in the topic. This is hard one to overcome because it is an emotional type of eating. The best thing to do is try to find a place where you fit in the conversation and jump right in. No one will yell at you for joining the talk. If you still feel like you have nothing to add then push the food away from your reach and listen to what the others have to say. Dinner cannot last all night so one day you will escape!

Everyone gets bored with the day. If you find yourself reaching for the pantry just ask yourself if you really need it. After the minutes it takes to eat a snack you will just be bored again. Those minutes are not worth the time and effort it will take to get your body and mind back on track. Instead of walking to the pantry walk down the block. Write a letter or send an e-mail. Reorganize your bathroom drawers. There is always something left undone that is just crying out for repair. Boredom can always be quickly turned into being so busy you don't have time to be bored!