How Emotions and Stress Influence Eating Habits
Our emotional state is often tied to what we eat and how we feel about ourselves. Self-image and self-confidence are also important parts of the package. As I embarked on book tours with various media, I found myself on a path I never dreamed would be possible for me. On the outside I looked attractive and presentable. I had graduated from BYU, had three successful years of teaching, and was now a successful author and professional speaker.
Struggling with Self-Worth Behind the Success
But underneath, all was not well. My self-esteem suffered because I had always struggled with school. My parents even drove from Salt Lake City to Provo many weekends to read to me as I struggled to complete my university courses. Because I did not do well in school, I sometimes questioned how smart I was.
Success and newfound fame gave me a shot of confidence, and I wanted more and more of it. I wanted people to think I was competent and successful, even though I did not feel it inside. I began to push myself further, piling stress upon stress.
In addition to being a regular on the Today show, I was also writing a new book. Television is very competitive, often brutal, and the pressure is intense. If you make one misstep, there are a hundred people waiting to take your place. So I had to be at the top of my game at all times. I was working seventy to eighty hours weekdays, and weekends were rarely my own.
The Turning Point: Finding Help and Rebuilding Confidence
I became depressed and saw a doctor. The medication he prescribed had a side effect of weight gain. I ate more and more to fill the void I felt in my soul. The frantic pace of my work had to stop, and I was fortunate to find a wonderful therapist. I learned that I was looking outside of myself for the things that I should be giving myself. I must have asked my therapist a thousand times if I was okay.
Once I felt somewhat reprogrammed, I asked her whether she thought I was smart. She would tell me, “I do not know anyone else who has done all that you have accomplished.” Slowly I began to reverse the wrong ideas I had about myself. I learned that I was worthy of respect, and that I was intelligent. I realized I had to love and care enough about myself to do the things required to maximize my health.
With the help of incredible, supportive people, I began to make improvements. I am now very active. I love my new life and the activities that I engage in which were not possible before.
Is stress or your emotions driving you to eat? I find that it is so easy to get out of balance. For me I let my work start to take over my life. I get busier and busier until I am not taking any time for myself. This week I decide it was time to slow down and take some time out so I am heading for Lake Powell to slow down and put a little more balance in my life.
