I always find it tougher to be joyful in the winter months. I miss my long walks in the woods. I miss the feeling of the sun kissing my body. I miss being warm and cozy. I miss wearing flip-flops.
I know I’m hardly alone. Many people are impacted by the changes in the weather and need a little boost to feel better.
When I was a stress/emotional eater, I always turned to food to feel better. It never worked. I felt guilty for overeating while I was eating and even worse afterwards. Feeling guilty and/or giving yourself a food hangover is a sign that you are not giving your body what it really needs.
One of my favorite concepts that I learned at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition was the need for PRIMARY FOODS.
What are primary foods? Anything that nourishes you that does not come on the plate. When you are missing joy from your life no amount of cookies, cakes, brownies, chips, beer or wine will ever fill this void.
That is why I challenge you to create your JOY TOOLBOX. Write a list of things that bring you true, lasting pleasure. Keep off anything that gives you momentary happiness but leaves you feeling bad afterwards.
The more we add into our joy toolbox, the less we will feel drawn to food to fill a non-food function. Everyone will have a different joy toolbox. Whatever brings you joy is unique to you.
I am sharing my JOY TOOLBOX with you in hopes that it will inspire you to create your own.
Here are a few things on my list in random order: Morning pages- Free writing in the morning Talking to a friend- really sharing hopes/dreams/desires.
Lighting Candles
Meditation
Keeping a Gratitude Journal
Snuggling
Giving food to people on the street
Dance breaks with my family and by myself
Baking Bread
Going for a walk
Yoga
Zumba (new addition to my joy treasure chest)
Watching the sunset and moonrise
Flowers in the house
Cup of tea
Bubble baths
Green juice or smoothies
Planning a vacation
Watching a funny movie
Sitting in front of my fireplace and pretending I am camping
Sledding
Birdwatching
Spinning
You can always add more and more to your JOY TOOLBOX. Having lots of go to ideas helps when you need that quick infusion of happiness. It also keeps you away from the cookie jar.
With love and joyful wishes- Michelle
