What to do instead of eating when you’re bored?

Need ideas to stop eating out of boredom? Here are some other things you can do instead.

Eating boredom is one thing. It’s when you eat because you’re bored. It’s something many of us have a problem with. I won’t go into the details of why here, but just wanted to share some quick fixes. With some of my own ideas about what to do instead of eating when I’m bored.

The recent lockdown situation hasn’t made it easy, has it? Fortunately, things are reopening. Like many people, I am looking to change some of the habits that have emerged over the past year.

One of them is my diet. Especially the part where I eat just for fun. Not because I’m hungry, but because I’m bored. Many of us are bored. What else is there to do? Eating is fun, right?

As a result, we have not only gained weight that we now need to lose, but we have also compromised our well-being.

Personally, I feel like I’m far removed from myself. The only way I can describe it is that I feel like I’m living thoughtlessly.

The good news is that there are things that can be done to change this habit. Which I share here. I try as much as I can to put these suggestions into practice.

I don’t always stick to it, but I bring it out. Not just as a reminder, but as part of my responsibility and growth process.

I don’t know about you, but I feel like I’ve entered a new phase of life. A phase in which I will live this life to the fullest because there is a lot of fun to be had.

It’s time to take back control and make the required changes. In all areas necessary to live a happier, healthier and more meaningful life.

Here are some ideas to stop eating out of boredom.

What to do instead of eating when you are bored.

1. Catch up with a friend

A phone or video call with a friend is always a good way to break a boredom. Scheduling a time for a phone call or catching up is one way to give yourself something to look forward to.

There is an uplifting that comes from a conversation with a close friend. Even after your time together is over, you will carry the high with you for a while.
To be fair, it’s not just boredom that makes us eat for the sake of the food. Sometimes it’s a lack of interest in things. But let’s face it, there is always something to do. Serious!
Instead of eating away at your feelings, call a friend and see how he’s doing. Take the focus off yourself and try to add value to someone else.

A kind word or kind gesture makes you both feel good. It’s a good distraction technique.

2. Exercise

This sounds cliche, I know. But if you want to have a healthy mind and body, which I’m sure, exercise is important. I’m not a sports person at all.

I used to consider sports unnecessarily heavy and boring. I still find it boring. But I also understand that you need to maintain a balanced relationship with sports.

To overcome boredom and emotional eating. Wait, huh? I hear you ask. You’re probably wondering too. If it’s boring, how can it stop the boredom?
Well, not all exercises are boring. But most are – that’s my opinion anyway. But the positive effects of exercise are undeniable.

Exercise is not just for weight loss. It helps you to clear your mind and make you feel good about yourself. It makes you feel more alive and confident. By exercising you make a conscious effort.

A decision to participate in something that positively affects your mood and emotions. Stick to simple exercises that you can do and that you enjoy doing.

3. Go outside

Get some air. Interaction with nature. Discover something new. If you’re outdoors, chances are you won’t get bored. If you’re not bored, you’re not eating for entertainment.

This one always works for me. The hardest part is actually getting out of the house, but when I’m gone, I’m happy and content. I don’t feel like I have anything else to do.

Even when I’m alone with my thoughts, I don’t feel the need to grab something to eat. My son and I are currently learning French together. We sometimes have those walking and talking sessions where we go for a walk and discuss what we’ve learned.

He’s a teenager and not always up for walks, but they’re fun. Even for him. There are many ways you can incorporate some time away from home into your life.

If you can’t do it alone, bring someone with you or join a local group.

4. Get involved

Find a passion. Whether that’s a hobby, a new skill, culture, interest, whatever. A hobby will banish boredom from your life. Think about something you’ve wanted to do for so long.

There are so many hobbies and skills that you haven’t tried yet. You can use this time to learn more about yourself or develop your skills. If you have your own skills, you can share them with others.

Whatever it is, just do something. Whatever you do, try to make it a positive experience. Because the goal is to live a more positive life. Find your own interests. Forget what the latest trend is. Just do yourself.

A top tip is to avoid things that encourage eating. For example, watching a box, reading, etc. These are activities that encourage you to eat as part of the entertainment process.

So keep that in mind when choosing hobbies or interests. Personally, I prefer things that place me in a different environment. Whether that’s outside or inside, it just has to be a different location.

5. Stay away from social media

Social media is like a window through which we look at the lives of others. Or let me phrase it differently. We look at what other people present to us as their lives.

We look at them and reason to ourselves that we are missing something. We think we are not doing anything because we are not engaging in the same activities as them.

We start to feel inept and bored because there is nothing exciting or social media worthy to do.

If you have big FOMO, you definitely shouldn’t be on social media. Here are some other things you can do instead of going on social media.

6. Practice Self-Care

Very important. Center yourself and block out all noise, worries and general distractions. Focus on you. Your self-care activities should relate to your physical and mental well-being.

Whether it’s a pedicure or a spa treatment, do the things you normally wouldn’t. The goal is to do something that is specific to you. Like a date with yourself.

Never hesitate to prioritize yourself. Incorporate things like meditation, affirmations, and mindfulness into your self-care routine.

Taking care of your well-being in this way gives you a stronger sense of responsibility towards yourself.

7. Try out a new recipe

I know this probably sounds a bit counterintuitive. Suggest you try to make food to stop eating. But the point is, you’re trying to stop eating because you’re bored. Not because you’re hungry.

When you’re planning, preparing and cooking meals, the last thing you do is boredom. Cooking is a task that can be very enjoyable.

Before the pandemic, I have tried many new and exciting recipes that have brought me a lot of joy. It’s something I return to. I’ve already started collecting my next batch of recipes to try. I will definitely share them here.

When you make your own food, you can control what ingredients go into it, and ultimately your body. If you eat out of boredom, you risk eating unhealthy and readily available foods.

8. Act weird

Be spontaneous. Do something unusual. Step out of your comfort zone. Go wild in a dance move, do a moonwalk, anything to lift you up and bring you joy.

Call a radio station and send a shout-out or answer a quiz question. Be the entertainment instead of waiting to be entertained.
Life is short. It is real.

There are so many experiences to experience. I speak for myself as I write this. I realize that the more I let go, the less I’m bored or in need of comfort food.

You can really have fun in your own company. Just look inside.