The holidays are officially here! As the season kicks off and our calendars quickly become filled with shopping, cookie exchanges, holiday parties, and traveling to see family, we'd like to share some quick tips you can easily use to address cravings that may creep into your routine.
First ask yourself "Am I bored?"
It's easy to fill down-time with a snack. Let's face it, peanut butter and apples is way more fun than doing nothing at all. But instead of turning to food to fill a void of inactivity or interest, find a more meaningful alternative. Meditation using the Headspace app is a quick fix in any situation. Grab that book that's been sitting on the shelf. Go for a walk. Or do a quick yoga flow to get your blood pumping. All these suggestions can reignite your imagination to occupy your time.
If boredom isn't the issue, ask yourself "Am I feeling stressed about something?"
Living in New York City is stressful and working here can be downright daunting at times. Not to mention all the pressure we may feel from responsibilities with family and obligations with friends. Instead of finding solace in a bag of chips, tackle your stress head on. A great exercise to start this process is free writing. Dump all the feelings you have inside onto the piece of paper. It's amazing how freeing it will feel to vent your reservations and thoughts. If stress is the root of the craving, it's time to get selfish. Whether this means hitting the gym ASAP, going to get a mani-pedi, or taking a long hot bath, your self-care needs to be a priority.
Not bored or stressed? Ask yourself "Am I hungry?"
This might seem like a no brainer but in our busy work and life routines we can easily forget to actually eat breakfast, lunch, or dinner. When the day gets busy basic needs often get left behind. Making a plan ahead of time to eat is a great way to beat these memory lapses - prep your meals or order cleans eats from us during the week. Setting a calendar reminder is also a great way to remember it's time to fuel your body. Do what works for you. Your body and mind will thank you for being nourished throughout the day.
Now we're not saying you should never have a cookie if you are craving a cookie! Part of addressing these cravings is learning to be more mindful in understanding what your body actually needs. While sweets and sugar can give an energy boost in the very short term, often your body is trying to tell you it needs something more substantial, whether that's a drink of water, a brisk walk in the fresh air, or more nutrients. Make a habit of paying attention to how you're feeling when the craving strikes, and over time you'll become more in tune with your needs.