Practice Relaxation Techniques

Use relaxation techniques to manage emotional eating triggers.

Learn These Four Skills to Relax

1. Relaxation Reflex: Get rid of muscle tension.

2. Mindfulness: Be fully present in the moment.

3. Deep Breathing: Feel relaxed by breathing in more oxygen.

Plan Relaxation Time

Plan 15 minutes during the day to intentionally relax. You can also do relaxation exercises as needed throughout the day. Practice these techniques before eating or to cope with an emotion that is triggering you to eat. Relaxation techniques can help reduce stress-related health problems, such as high blood pressure, headaches, and pain. These tools also help you to have greater mental and physical control and improve your response to negative emotions.

How the mind can control the body:

*  It can slow brain wave patterns.

*  It can reduce heart and breathing rates.

*  It can increase blood flow to the limbs.

*  It can relax muscles.