There are so many different exercises you can do for yourself when you are struggling with something difficult, and today I’m bringing you a video that goes through one of the simplest exercises I’ve come across.
There have been countless times in my life when I’ve struggled with the nagging feeling of “needing” food. You know what I mean, right? That whole pan of brownies is just scuh-reaming at you no matter what you try and do to make it shut up. You try to stay busy. You try to stop thinking about it, but for some reason, it just won’t go away.
So here is a simple exercise for you do to that requires only your body. It’s free. You can do it anywhere. And you do not need any special equipment or tools. Only your senses.
Let’s get to it! (I apologize for the vacuum in the background during a portion of the video)
A Summary of the Exercise:
1. Note 1 non-food scent around you.
2. Name 2 sounds you can hear.
3. Describe 3 physical sensations on your body. (temperature, clothing, the feelings of the surface you are resting on, ailments, etc)
4. Name 4 colors that are in your sight.
5. Identify 5 objects that you can see in front of you (besides any food objects).
Repeat as many times as necessary!
Hey there! My name is Holly, and I am passionate about enjoying all foods without guilt, judgement, or failure. Food shouldn’t have a “good” or a “bad” label. After years and years of dieting and having a bad relationship with food and my body, I am finally at place where food is not the enemy, and I want nothing more than to help other women get to this place with me!
I live in the beautiful state of Utah with my son and the love of my life. I’m a coffee obsessed, yoga-practicing, Zumba-rockin’ nerdy tattoo-lovin’ Air Force wife, and I’m so excited to share my story, experiences, and lessons with you.
Lisa @ Charlie The Cavalier says
Wow I would have never thought to do this. I will try it sometime this week.
Holly Waterfall says
I hope you do! It’s something so simple, yet something you’d never think about
Paula@SweetPea says
I am one of those people who has difficulty stopping when enjoying something sweet. This is a great tip to remember when the non-stop munchies strike.
Holly Waterfall says
I’m the same… I get on that ice-cream kick, and I just can’t get it out of my head sometimes. Tools like this are imperative to getting through it, in my opinion.
Amber @ Dessert Now, Dinner Later! says
Okay! The power of distraction! Great tips!
Holly Waterfall says
I’m glad you liked it! More than just distraction, it’s a meditative exercise that clears your mind.
Alison Moore Smith says
What Amber said. Distraction. Goes along with breaking the response to cues. Love it.
Holly Waterfall says
Very true. How often do we crave those cookies and just go grab them out of habit? It only takes a few minutes to clear your mind and get in a different place mentally.
Kathleen says
Great tips! I was sitting here thinking about getting a piece of that coconut pound cake my daughter had on the blog yesterday and I think I will use this a couple of times to get over it. I’m not hungry, it just sounds good. Did you ever get that fly?!
Holly Waterfall says
ha, i did NOT get the fly! But I was seriously laughing so hard at my reactions to it that I captured on camera. I absolutely hate flying bugs… even just flies.
Anyway, I’m really happy to hear that this helped you get through your urge to eat that cake. Of course, indulgences here and there are just fine, but not when they’re mindless, impulsive, and not really necessary since you weren’t even hungry.