When Sh*t Hits the Fan

My cousin started smoking again.

You see, his HOUSE BURNED DOWN.

So it's a little bit of a stressful time period.

Our bad habits--even ones that we feel like we have fully conquered--can pop back up again during times of stress. Surprise!

I used to be a binge eater and felt really out of control around food. Then I figured some things out (you can read that story here), and for over 10 years I was completely binge-free. I didn't even think about binge eating, I knew I had overcome my food demons.

And then...

I went through a rough patch in my life. I started graduate school, got laid-off from my job, went into debt, lost my condo--it got ugly.

I started having weird cravings and urges to overeat. I wanted to go to the grocery store and buy mini Reese's peanut butter cups and eat the whole bag.

It shocked me. Where were these latent urges coming from?

Stress, my friend, is a bitch.

Here she (stress) was undermining years of deep emotional work and healthy living.

I was a little freaked out...especially because I was helping others deal with their own food issues. How could I do that when my own issues were cropping back up?

Fraud! Imposter!

Luckily, I knew what to do. I had to go back to basics. I had to keep certain foods (chocolate and peanut butter!!) out of the house. I had to remind myself that there are other, healthier ways to manage stress like working out, talking with a friend, meditation, journal writing, etc.

I had to remember to breathe and trust that I would work through this and not relapse into chronic binge eating.

And I did get through it, thank the Universe, and I didn't spiral back to that place of shame and self-loathing.

The stress ebbed and flowed, and eventually stabilized at a more manageable level. I did not relapse, but *it was an awesome, awesome lesson in how vulnerable stress makes us*.

What old habits come back for you during times of stress? I'd love to know what your personal challenges are...you can connect with me via Facebook or Instagram.

AND y'all, I'm super excited to be starting another group program in November. Ready, Steady, SWEATY is all about building consistency and generating momentum in regards to health, fitness, and overall well-being. You can get the deets here.

My cousin is doing well, by the way. He is taking this tragic situation and seeing it as an opportunity for a new beginning for himself and his family. Amazing guy, my cousin!