“So that’s two pizzas with extra toppings, two garlic breads, four dips, and a dozen donuts – did I get that right?”
I cringed as he confirmed the order.
“Yeah,” I said, sheepishly.
“Great. It’ll be there in about an hour.”
I hung up and stared into space. This was the third time this month I’d made this call. I stood up, closed the blinds, and waited for the delivery driver. I didn’t want anyone to see me.
The shame was immense.
Stress is a funny thing.
When we practice basic health behaviors – getting enough sleep, eating well, moving in a way we enjoy, and spending time with loved ones and on hobbies – we can manage our stress. In fact, it can even help us grow.
That’s why I focus on helping my coaching clients practice these behaviors as often as possible. When they do, they feel strong, confident, and in control.
But what about when things tip over the edge, leaving us overwhelmed and unable to manage our stress?
Well, you end up like me in the situation above: finding some way – any way – to cope. And it usually isn’t good for us.
Thankfully, it’s been years since I turned to food to cope with stress and pain in my life.
If you’re in a similar place – overwhelmed, struggling to keep your head above water, and doing whatever you can to relieve your stress – I’ve been there. What you’re feeling and experiencing is NORMAL.
In fact, my experiences learning to manage my stress in healthier ways taught me a key lesson:
All behavior solves a problem.
Yes, even the “bad” ones.
When you look at it that way, those pizzas served a purpose: they provided momentary relief from my stress and pain.
Could I have dealt with it in a healthier way? Of course.
But my stress left me without the mental and emotional energy to make that better choice.
When you remind yourself that “all behavior solves a problem,” you create awareness of your circumstances and practice self compassion. You lighten your burden. You create space to make a better choice next time.
That space is your opportunity to make healthy, sustainable change in your life.
Love you lots,
❤ Ian
Ian Estabrook 