Photo Credit: via Pinterest, Model: Unknown
Sometimes when anxiety hits, the first instinct isn’t exactly “let me go journal and meditate.” It’s more like: Where’s the bread? Or why did I just DoorDash $42 of sushi I didn’t even finish?
If you’ve ever used snacks as a self-soothing tool, you’re not alone. You’re human. But I had to gently ask myself: “Is this actually comfort… or just distraction in disguise?”
And that’s where the glow-up began.
Here’s how I stopped eating my feelings—and started feeling them instead, without spiraling.
Step 1: I Learned to Pause Before the Pantry
You know that moment where your brain goes “I NEED something crunchy/salty/sweet or I will literally combust”? That’s your cue. Not to eat—but to pause.
Now, I ask myself:
- Am I actually hungry?
- Or am I just stressed, bored, sad, overstimulated, under-touched, or in need of a break?
This 10-second check-in changed everything. It created space between the trigger and my reaction—which, let’s be honest, used to be kettle chips.
Step 2: I Made My Coping Kit Hot-Girl Approved
I realized if I was gonna stop reaching for food, I needed new tools—like, now.
So I made a list of “safe swaps” that actually soothe me when I’m spiraling:
- Ice rolling my face (oddly grounding + depuffs my emotions)
- Stretching with incense and soft music (try Sade or Erykah Badu)
- Calling my “safe person” (you know who yours is)
- Coloring, journaling, or painting my nails
- Magnesium mocktails or herbal teas—warm liquids work wonders
The key? Make your comfort intentional, not impulsive. And make it cute.
Step 3: I Stopped Demonizing My Cravings
Let’s get one thing clear: there’s nothing wrong with wanting comfort food. The issue is when it becomes our only tool.
I started to lovingly ask:
“If my cravings had a voice, what would they be trying to say?”
Sometimes the message was: “You’re tired.” “You’re overstimulated.” “You need a nap, not nachos.” “You’re holding too much.”
This shifted everything. I could give my body what it really needed, not just a dopamine hit.
Step 4: I Started Regulating My Nervous System Like It Was My Job
Anxiety isn’t a mindset thing. It’s a nervous system thing. And that girl? She needs safety.
So now, my daily rituals are nervous system gold:
- Breathwork: Just 3 minutes of box breathing calms my whole system.
- Cold showers or cold face dips: Yes, it sounds aggressive. Yes, it works.
- Barefoot walks on grass or sand: Grounding. Literally.
- Soft movement: Think stretching, yoga, Pilates, or walking with music that makes me feel like the main character.
These aren’t just wellness trends—they’re medicine.
Step 5: I Wrote My Own “Comfort Menu”
One night, I literally sat down and wrote out:
“What can I do instead of stress eating that actually makes me feel safe, soft, and seen?”
Now I keep this list in my Notes app. Here’s what’s on it:
- Watch my fave comfort show (hello, Sex and the City reruns)
- Do a face mask and play chill French café music
- Voice note a friend and be honest
- Sit outside in the sun and do absolutely nothing
Your list will be different. That’s the point. It’s yours.
And remember:
Anxiety is not a character flaw. And turning to food for comfort doesn’t make you weak. But once I realized that true comfort feels nourishing, not numbing—I stopped letting snacks hold me hostage.
Now, when the stress hits? I know how to ride the wave without raiding the fridge.
And babe, so can you.
Follow @soleauclub for more soft wellness, slow beauty, and chill-girl fitness that fits your real life. Less grind. More glow.
