[CyberTOPS] Are You in Touch With Your Emotions?

[Leslie]

Are You in Touch With Your Emotions?

When you're faced with a powerful or uncomfortable feeling, how do you deal
with it? Sometimes when we don't know what to do with an emotion, we turn to
food to cope with it or cover it up. This response can become so automatic
that you may not even be aware of the emotion that's triggering your impulse
to eat. But if you understand what you're feeling and what you really need,
chances are you will realize that food isn't going to meet that need. 

The next time you experience an uncomfortable emotion, try the following
steps. They can help you understand where your feelings are coming from and
how to manage them. 

1. Connect with the emotion. Take a deep breath, close your eyes, and
continue to breathe comfortably and fully with nice, gentle, full breaths.
Focus on your bodily sensations. Recognize how your body feels "in the
moment" without judging or interpreting. Notice how your chest rises with
each breath and how the air flows through your nose and into your lungs. 

2. Observe the emotion. Ask yourself, "What am I sensing? What am I feeling?
What am I thinking?" Resist the urge to figure out why you are feeling a
certain way - just experience the emotion. 

3. Evaluate the emotion. Practice recognizing your true needs. Perhaps you
are bored? Then your need might be for activity. However, if you are lonely,
the answer may be quite different - activity involving friends or at least
other people. Now ask yourself, "What do I need right now? What is missing?"


4. Choose an action. Understand that there is no right or wrong here -
individual needs vary. We'll offer some ideas, but the best actions are the
ones you come up with yourself - the ones that meet your needs in the
moment. For example, you may need to: 

*	Express the feeling in private (cry, write in your journal, etc.). 
*	Release the feeling through action. For example, you might find
release through movement, like walking or dancing. 
*	Use relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation. 
*	Express the feeling to others you trust and seek their support. 

Reconnecting with your emotions can help you find outlets for them that
don't involve food. This week, focus on improving your emotional awareness. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Today's thought: I'm determined to make it, no matter what!

Today's thought: I will take dieting one day at a time, one pound at a time!

Today's thought: Dieting doesn't happen on its own. It takes a conscious
effort!

Today's Affirmation: I am cutting out the excuses.

http://www.tweetwhatyoueat.com/  

 

 

kops roseLeslie K, MN 323 Champlin, Leader

WWW.TOPS.ORG

2009

Starting January weight ......................................229.80

Starting August Weight........................................225.40

Starting September Weight ..................................231.00

Starting October Weight.......................................232.00

Short-term Goal...................................................199.00

Goal....................................................................
140.00

Number of lbs. to lose for short term goal..............33.00

Number of lbs. to lose for long term goal ..............92.00

 

Last Week Weigh In...............................................232.00
October 01, 2009

September 24, 2009.................................................231.20

Weekly Pounds gain.....................................................0.80

Weekly pounds Lost..................................................

Total Monthly Pounds lost........................................ 

Total Monthly Pounds gained....................................0.80

 

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