My coping skills

[Mermaid02]

We have 2 children, a daughter who is 17 and a son who is 10. He has some special needs, he has pervasive developmental disorder which is in the autism spectrum. It's not such a "bad" diagnosis as people with this are doctors, lawyers, astronauts etc. We have it much better than many families and I am grateful for that. However, we have some bad days and tonight was one of the worst. I won't even get into what he did, but the tension here was SKY HIGH. My dh took the dog and went for a long walk... leaving me here with our son. I immediately went for the ice cream. I cope by eating- which of course ultimately makes things worse. I just feel like noticing this, I've had a break through.

 

[tbstein]

I agree, that when you make the connection, it can help get you thru the next probelm. I wish you luck!

Wendy

 

[dmslush]

I second that making a connection can help you on your journey. I'm very much an emotional eater! I am now struggling to figure out what triggers my eating frenzy.

 

[Mermaid02]

I need to figure out WHAT to do instead of eating. I'm thinking of keeping my "workout" clothes strategically placed in my room so that I can easily get them and jump on the elliptical trainer. I'm also thinking of cleaning ALL of the pictures etc off the refrigerator and putting a couple of inspirational quotes and pics there.

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

Hurray for your breakthrough! I am sorry that you are going through this.

I WISH you figure out what it is that you can do while your DH is getting in his walk. Maybe you can pop in a dvd? Although, I like that elliptical idea better.

 

[C_leen]

Hi there!

I think putting a quote or two on the fridge is a great idea. What if you made yourself a little table to tape inside one of your cupboards on other ways to handle stress besides eating? Go for a walk, elliptical, talk to a friend, hug your son (if you can at the time), do yoga or come up with a little meditation or prayer. If you can't think of what to do, you can just read off your list!

I would speak with your husband about how you both currently respond to these situations, and try to work out an understanding so you both are respected when you need to get away from this sort of situation.

As for Plan B get some weight watcher ice cream items so you can fulfill the sweet craving with minimal calorie damage...

 

[ohMom]

((hugs))

i too am finally realistically discovering that not only am I a boredom-snacking-eater, I am also an emotional eater. I have been watching biggest loser reruns and note that when they are all upset (over an elmination or lose of challenge or whatever rocks their world on the ranch) the trainer takes them to work out. i'm trying to redo my old habits of grazing to taking a walk.

but since you didn't have that option at that time.....i'm proud of you for being mindful and aware. i think that's our first step!!

 

[contempory4me]

Be good to yourself, when the stress level is high, this may not be the time to put more pressure on yourself by feeling like you HAVE to exercise. This is what works for me...deep breaths, positive self talk and something mindless like cutting out stuff for scrapbooking or thumbing through a magazine.
We don't have to be super moms all of the time.
Also, make sure you get some "you time" during the day if you can to exercise. That will make the exercise more positive.
Best of luck!