Whether you’re at the office or working from home, boredom eating is something that can go from a bad habit to affecting your overall well-being. This is something we both know we struggle with, especially nowadays with the current world situation happening around us (um, coronavirus and the social distancing). To us, boredom eating goes beyond us feeling like there’s nothing to do. It’s a coping mechanism we use to deal with our stress and anxiety – to help us distract ourselves from thoughts or triggers buzzing around us.

This article is in no way written to discourage anyone from eating, rather, help some of you break the cycle, especially during these trying times. Our motto has always been “eat when hungry, stop when full”. In our personal experiences, we have found 90% of the time we think we are hungry, we’re actually not. We are not healthcare or nutrition experts, so please consider the following opinions, not professional advice.

Here are some tactics we have and will continue to use to beat this bad behavior:

1. Drink water. There is a difference between being thirsty and being hungry. How do we know? We’ve practiced intermittent fasting and regularly egg fast – and most of the time, a tall glass of water does the trick. Have a glass, wait a few minutes, and then re-evaluate your hunger.
2. Go for a walk. It doesn’t have to be a long one, but getting up to move can help distract you, burn calories, and get you some fresh air that you body would appreciate. If you can’t get outside, a few laps around your home or office can get your blood flowing, and likely, your hunger or boredom at bay.
3. Brush your teeth. It’s hard to chow down on on some pork rinds or candy right after you’ve brushed your pearly whites with some minty toothpaste. You will feel your need to snack decrease, trust us.
4. Clean the space around you or organize the apps and/or emails/texts/notifications on your phone. You will stay busy and forget about that pint of ice cream or bag of salty snacks.
5. Phone a friend – cause that’s what they are for, right? Having a support buddy or family member is good for so many reasons – and this is one of the times having someone to call or text can help you talk through anything you’re feeling or just chat about the latest celebrity to be revealed on The Masked Singer. Whatever the topic is – it will help pass the time you’re trying to kill.