Many of us have experienced the sensation of boredom, and the quiet moments in life can sometimes leave us feeling restless and looking for something to do. Unfortunately, for many people, that something to do involves reaching for food even when we’re not hungry. This kind of behavior is known as boredom eating, and it can quickly become a cycle that’s tough to break. If you’re struggling with boredom eating, you’re not alone. But the good news is that there are ways to identify and overcome the triggers that cause you to turn to food when you’re feeling bored or listless. In this article, we’ll explore the connection between boredom and eating, identify the common triggers that lead to this behavior, and offer a step-by-step guide to breaking the cycle of boredom eating. By the end of this article, you’ll have the tools you need to start a journey toward a healthier relationship with food—beginning with identifying why you eat when you’re not hungry.
Understanding Boredom Eating
Have you ever found yourself reaching into the fridge or pantry out of sheer boredom? If so, you’re not alone. Boredom eating is a common phenomenon where people turn to food when they are not physically hungry, but rather experiencing psychological or emotional hunger. It’s important to understand the nature of boredom eating in order to break the cycle and achieve your weight loss goals. In this section, we’ll explore what boredom eating is, why people engage in it, and how it can impact your journey towards a healthier you.
What is Boredom Eating
Boredom eating, also known as emotional eating, is when an individual turns to food for comfort or distraction when they are feeling bored or unfulfilled. This type of eating often occurs when the individual is not actually hungry, but rather seeking a different emotional state. The act of eating temporarily solves the problem by providing a pleasurable distraction, but it often leads to feelings of guilt and regret later on.
Some characteristics of boredom eating include:
- Eating without feeling hungry
- Craving specific comfort foods
- Mindlessly snacking while engaged in a non-stimulating activity
- Continuing to eat even after feeling full
Boredom eating is not the same as physical hunger, which is characterized by:
- A rumbling stomach
- Decreased energy
- Reduced cognitive function
- Requiring sustenance for survival
Understanding the difference between these two types of hunger is essential in overcoming boredom eating. It’s important to recognize the emotional triggers that lead to boredom eating and develop strategies to combat them. By doing so, individuals can break the cycle of boredom eating and lead a healthier and more fulfilling life.
The Connection Between Boredom and Eating
Many people turn to food when they feel bored. The connection between boredom and eating is complex and often overlooked. When we eat due to boredom, we tend to reach for high-calorie, high-fat, or high-sugar foods, such as chips, candy, or ice cream. This is because these foods are often more pleasurable to eat than healthier options, and they provide a quick burst of energy and a temporary feeling of satisfaction. However, the long-term effects of consuming such foods regularly can be detrimental to our health.
One factor that contributes to the link between boredom and eating is psychological. Boredom is a feeling of dissatisfaction and restlessness that can lead to negative emotions and stress. In an effort to alleviate these feelings, we may turn to food for comfort, distraction or a quick fix. This can lead to a cycle of overeating and guilt, as we often choose unhealthy foods that are not satisfying in the long run.
Social triggers can also contribute to boredom eating. You may notice that you eat more when you are with your friends or family. This social gathering may lead to consuming more foods than normal, especially if it is accompanied by alcohol. Social activities often revolve around food, and this can make it harder for people to stick to healthy eating habits.
Environmental triggers may also play a role in boredom eating. For example, when you are sitting at home and there is nothing else to do, you may feel tempted to eat. Similarly, if you are in a place where food is easily accessible, such as at a buffet, you may find yourself eating more than you originally intended.
Understanding the connection between boredom and eating is crucial in breaking the cycle of unhealthy eating habits. By identifying the triggers that lead to boredom eating, we can take steps to overcome them and cultivate healthier habits.
How It Affects Your Weight Loss Journey
Boredom eating can significantly impact your weight loss journey. When you eat due to boredom, you inevitably consume extra calories that do not provide your body with the necessary nutrients that it requires. The accumulation of excess calories in your body leads to weight gain, which could be a major setback in your weight loss efforts.
Additionally, boredom eating can also lead to poor food choices. When you are not mindful of what you are eating, you tend to opt for processed, high-sugar, and high-fat foods that provide temporary satisfaction but ultimately cause negative effects on your health.
Boredom eating can also disrupt your body’s natural hunger and fullness signals. When you eat while bored, you may not accurately gauge your body’s needs, which can result in overeating and further weight gain.
Boredom eating can have a detrimental effect on your weight loss journey. By consuming extra calories, making poor food choices, and disrupting your body’s natural hunger and fullness signals, boredom eating can significantly hinder your efforts towards achieving your weight loss goals.
The table below summarizes how boredom eating affects your weight loss journey:
| Effects of Boredom Eating on Weight Loss Journey | Description |
|---|---|
| Extra calorie consumption | Boredom eating leads to the consumption of unnecessary calories that can cause weight gain. |
| Poor food choices | Boredom eating can result in the consumption of high-sugar, high-fat, and processed foods that are detrimental to your health. |
| Disrupts natural hunger and fullness signals | Eating while bored can cause you to ignore your body’s natural hunger signals, leading to overeating and further weight gain. |
Identifying the Triggers
Exploring the root causes of boredom eating can be a perplexing task. However, it’s a crucial step in breaking the cycle and finding a long-term solution. Understanding the psychological, social, and environmental triggers behind this behavior is essential for overcoming it. Identifying these triggers can be a challenging process, but with the right tools and strategies, you can gain control over your eating habits and break free from the cycle of boredom eating. Let’s dive deeper and explore the different triggers that can lead to boredom eating.
Psychological Triggers
Psychological triggers refer to the thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that lead to boredom eating. Recognizing these triggers is the first step towards breaking free from this cycle. Here are some common psychological triggers that lead to boredom eating:
- Stress: When you’re stressed or overwhelmed, you may turn to food as a way to cope with your emotions. Eating can provide a temporary distraction from the source of your stress, but it won’t solve the underlying issue.
- Anxiety: Anxiety can cause you to feel restless and fidgety, which may lead you to mindlessly snack on food to distract yourself from your feelings. Try finding alternative activities that help you relax and calm your mind.
- Boredom: As the name suggests, boredom eating is often triggered by a lack of stimulation or excitement in your environment. Instead of reaching for a snack, try finding a creative or engaging activity to occupy your time.
- Depression: Depression can lead to a lack of motivation and a general feeling of apathy towards life. Eating can provide a temporary boost of dopamine, but there are healthier ways to address these feelings. Seek help from a mental health professional if you are struggling with depression.
- Loneliness: When you’re feeling lonely, you may turn to food as a way to fill the emotional void. Instead, focus on building meaningful connections with others through social activities or hobbies.
By recognizing your psychological triggers, you can begin to address the underlying causes of boredom eating and work towards a healthier relationship with food.
Social Triggers
Social triggers are factors that come from interacting with other people or engaging in social situations, which can lead to boredom eating. Here are some ways social triggers can affect your eating habits:
- Peer pressure: When you’re socializing with friends or family, you may feel obligated to partake in eating activities, whether it’s going out to eat or indulging in snacks. This can lead to mindless eating and consuming more than what your body needs.
- Boredom: Social events may not always be engaging, and you may find yourself feeling bored. This can lead to snacking on unhealthy foods to pass the time.
- Emotional eating: Social situations can be stressful, and in response, you may turn to comfort foods as a way to cope.
- Social media: Social media can also be a social trigger for boredom eating. Seeing pictures of delicious meals or snacks can make you feel hungry, even when you’re not.
It’s important to be aware of these triggers and how they can affect your eating habits. By recognizing them, you can take steps to avoid or manage them, such as bringing your own healthy snacks to social events or finding other activities to engage in that don’t involve eating. Additionally, building a support system of friends and family who understand and respect your weight loss goals can be beneficial in combating social triggers.
Environmental Triggers
Environmental Triggers: Another common trigger for boredom eating is our environment. Many times, we eat simply because food is easily accessible and in front of us. The following table illustrates some environmental triggers that can lead to boredom eating:
| Environmental Triggers | Description |
|---|---|
| Proximity to food | Being in close proximity to food, such as in the break room at work or sitting in front of the television with snacks, can trigger boredom eating. |
| Food Advertising | The constant bombardment of food advertisements can make us crave and reach for unhealthy snacks, even when we’re not hungry. |
| Food Availability | Living in a location where unhealthy food options are prevalent can make it difficult to resist the urge to constantly snack. |
| Food as Entertainment | Many social events and gatherings revolve around food and eating, leading to mindless snacking and overeating. |
It’s important to recognize these environmental triggers and make changes to our surroundings to combat boredom eating. This may involve keeping unhealthy snacks out of the house, avoiding locations where unhealthy food options are prevalent, and finding alternative forms of entertainment that don’t involve food. By taking control of our environment, we can break the cycle of boredom eating and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Breaking Free from Boredom Eating
Are you tired of mindlessly snacking just for something to do? Do you find yourself turning to food when you’re bored, even when you’re not physically hungry? It’s time to break free from the cycle of boredom eating. By finding alternative activities, building a strong support system, and changing your relationship with food, you can overcome this common habit and reach your weight loss goals. Let’s explore the steps to take in further detail.
Find Alternative Activities to Combat Boredom
Combatting boredom eating can be a challenging task, but finding alternative activities can make a significant difference in overcoming it. Here are some suggestions for alternative activities to deal with boredom instead of reaching for food:
- Get moving: When boredom strikes, physical activity can act as a great distraction. Go for a walk or run, ride your bike, or try a new workout class. Yoga, Pilates, and dance classes are also great options. Exercise has benefits beyond just combating boredom – it boosts your mood, reduces stress, and can even improve your sleep quality.
- Pick up a new hobby: Trying a new hobby can be both fun and rewarding. Consider activities such as painting, drawing, knitting, gardening, or learning a new language. Engaging in a hobby can help you feel more fulfilled, and it can also provide a sense of purpose and accomplishment.
- Read a book: Reading can be an excellent way to escape boredom. Reaching for a good book instead of food can keep your mind occupied and provide a healthy distraction. Whether it’s a gripping novel, a self-help book, or a biography, reading can be a great way to relax and reduce stress.
- Socialize: Spending time with friends or family can be a great way to combat boredom. Instead of reaching for food when you’re feeling bored, make plans with a friend, join a social club, or attend events in your community.
- Try meditation: Meditation is a great way to practice mindfulness and quiet the mind. Meditation can help you become more in tune with your emotions and body, which can help you identify and overcome triggers for boredom eating. Apps like Headspace and Calm offer guided meditations for beginners.
Remember, the key is to find activities that you enjoy and that keep your mind and body active. By diverting your attention away from food, you can break the cycle of boredom eating and begin to establish healthier habits.
Build a Support System
Building a strong support system can be a crucial step in breaking free from boredom eating. It’s important to have people in your life who not only understand your struggles but also encourage and motivate you to stay on track. Here are some ways to build your support system:
| Join a Support Group | There are many online and in-person support groups that cater to those dealing with emotional eating or boredom eating. Joining one can provide you with a safe and supportive space to share your experiences and receive encouragement. |
|---|---|
| Talk to a Friend or Family Member | Opening up to a trusted friend or family member about your struggle with boredom eating can be incredibly beneficial. They can offer a listening ear, provide motivation, and hold you accountable for sticking to your goals. |
| Hire a Professional | If you feel like you need extra support and guidance, consider working with a licensed therapist, counselor, or registered dietitian. They can provide you with individualized strategies and tools to overcome your boredom eating habits. |
| Find an Accountability Partner | Partnering up with someone who is also trying to break their boredom eating habits can be a great way to stay on track. You can hold each other accountable, provide support and motivation, and cheer each other on along the way. |
Remember, building a support system takes time and effort, but it’s worth it in the end. Having people who understand and encourage you can make all the difference in your journey towards breaking the cycle of boredom eating.
Change Your Mindset and Relationship with Food
One of the most crucial steps in breaking free from boredom eating habits is changing your mindset and relationship with food. It’s time to rethink the way you view food and your relationship with it. Here are some effective ways to change your mindset and relationship with food:
- Drop the Guilt: One of the biggest challenges that individuals face is feelings of guilt after eating. Instead of focusing on what you eat or don’t eat, focus on how you feel. Practice self-compassion and mindfulness when it comes to your eating habits.
- Avoid Labeling Foods: When you label food as “good” or “bad” you start creating a negative relationship with food. Focus on moderation instead of restriction. Allow yourself to enjoy your favorite foods guilt-free, but in moderation.
- Listen to Your Body: Rather than eating based on external cues such as the time of day or simply because food is available, become more attuned to your body’s hunger and fullness signals. Eat when you are hungry and stop when you are full.
- Practice Mindful Eating: Mindful eating is about paying attention to your food and fully experiencing it. Take the time to savor your food, appreciate its flavors and textures, and eat without any distractions, such as your phone or TV.
- Focus on Nourishment: Your focus should be on nourishing your body with healthy, whole foods. Make an effort to choose foods that have high nutritional value and will keep you feeling fuller for longer.
- Get Creative in the Kitchen: Exploring new recipes and getting creative in the kitchen can help to change your relationship with food. Instead of relying on the same old meals and snacks, try new foods and flavors to keep things interesting.
By changing your mindset and relationship with food, you can break free from boredom eating habits and establish a healthier relationship with what you eat. Remember to practice self-compassion, avoid labeling foods as “good” or “bad,” listen to your body, eat mindfully, focus on nourishment, and get creative in the kitchen.
Managing Cravings
Succumbing to cravings can often be our downfall in maintaining a healthy diet. Whether it’s the allure of a decadent dessert or a salty snack, cravings can be difficult to resist. This is especially true when we’re consumed with boredom, stress, or anxiety. It’s important to understand the nature of our cravings and learn how to manage them in a healthy and sustainable way. In this section, we’ll explore effective strategies for managing cravings and staying on track with our weight loss goals.
Understanding Your Cravings
Cravings can be a difficult aspect of boredom eating to manage, but they can be understood and controlled. Here are some tips for understanding your cravings:
- Identify the Type of Craving: It is important to differentiate between emotional and physical cravings. Emotional cravings are usually tied to specific feelings, such as stress or boredom, while physical cravings can be caused by hunger or your body’s need for specific nutrients. Identifying the type of craving can help you manage it better.
- Recognize Your Triggers: Certain foods or situations may trigger your cravings. Take note of what you were doing, feeling, or eating before a craving hits. This way, you can be proactive in avoiding or controlling these triggers in the future.
- Practice Mindful Eating: Mindful eating is the practice of being present and fully engaged in the act of eating, without distractions. Mindful eating can help you connect with your body and understand its hunger cues better, making it easier to manage cravings.
- Stick to a Balanced Diet: Consuming a balanced diet with proper macronutrient proportions is helpful when trying to control cravings. Eating enough protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates can help manage hunger and stabilize blood sugar levels throughout the day.
- Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can sometimes be mistaken for hunger, leading to cravings. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day can keep you hydrated and help you manage cravings better.
By understanding your cravings and implementing these tips, you can better control your urge to boredom eat and achieve your weight loss goals.
Healthy Snack Alternatives
When managing cravings and boredom eating, it’s important to have some healthy snack alternatives on hand. Here are some options:
- Fruit: Cut up some fresh fruit like apples or bananas, or grab some frozen fruit to snack on. It’s a great way to satisfy a sweet tooth while also getting some important vitamins and nutrients.
- Nuts: Raw or roasted nuts like almonds or cashews can be a great snack. They’re high in protein and healthy fats, which can help you feel full and satisfied. Just be careful with portion sizes, as nuts are also high in calories.
- Vegetables: Cut up some raw vegetables like carrots or bell peppers to snack on. You can also try roasting some veggies like broccoli or cauliflower for a crunchy and satisfying snack. Vegetables are low in calories and high in fiber, which can help you feel full for longer.
- Yogurt: Choose plain Greek yogurt for a high-protein snack, or try adding some fruit or honey for sweetness. Yogurt is a great source of calcium and other important nutrients.
- Popcorn: Air-popped popcorn can be a great snack option. It’s low in calories and high in fiber, which can help you feel full. Just be careful with toppings like butter or salt, which can add extra calories.
- Dark chocolate: Indulge your sweet tooth with some dark chocolate. It’s higher in antioxidants than milk chocolate and can help satisfy your cravings in moderation.
By having these healthy snack options on hand, you can satisfy your cravings without undoing all of your hard work towards a healthier lifestyle.
Mindful Eating
Mindful eating is a practice that involves paying full attention to your eating experience. This technique can help reduce boredom eating as it encourages you to appreciate and savor the food you are consuming. It promotes a healthier relationship with food, reducing the likelihood of overeating or emotional eating.
Principles of Mindful Eating
To practice mindful eating, you must focus on these principles:
| Principle | Description |
|---|---|
| Awareness | Be fully present during mealtimes, paying attention to the food you are eating. |
| Non-judgment | Avoid labeling food as “good” or “bad,” and refrain from criticizing yourself for what you ate. |
| Patience | Eat slowly, be patient, and appreciate the experience. |
| Gratitude | Express gratitude for the food you are eating and the effort put into preparing it. |
Benefits of Mindful Eating
By practicing mindful eating, you can enjoy numerous benefits, including:
- Reduced stress levels
- Better digestion
- Improved self-control when it comes to eating
- A healthier relationship with food
- Increased enjoyment of food
How to Practice Mindful Eating
To incorporate mindful eating into your lifestyle, follow these tips:
- Eliminate distractions – put down your electronic devices and focus solely on eating
- Eat slowly and chew your food well
- Use your senses – pay attention to the taste, smell, texture, and appearance of the food
- Express gratitude for the food you are eating
- Stop eating when you are full – listen to your body’s hunger and fullness signals
Adopting mindful eating as a regular habit can help you prevent boredom eating and develop a healthier relationship with food.
Creating a Sustainable Healthy Lifestyle
As we reach the end of our discussion on how to break the cycle of boredom eating, it is important to consider how to maintain the progress we have made. To truly succeed in our weight loss journey, we must not only address the underlying triggers of boredom eating, but also adopt a sustainable healthy lifestyle. This involves prioritizing a balanced diet, regular exercise, and maintaining a positive mindset towards both food and our bodies. Let’s delve deeper into what it takes to create a long-lasting healthy lifestyle.
Importance of a Balanced Diet
One of the most important aspects of leading a healthy lifestyle is maintaining a balanced diet, which involves consuming a variety of foods in appropriate portions to provide all necessary nutrients. This means avoiding fad diets or extreme restriction of certain food groups and focusing on a wholesome and nourishing approach to meals.
The benefits of a balanced diet go beyond weight management. Consuming a variety of foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats can improve cardiovascular health, reduce the risk of chronic diseases, and improve overall well-being. In contrast, a diet high in processed and high-fat foods can contribute to weight gain, high blood pressure, and other health problems.
Incorporating a balanced diet starts with meal planning. Plan for every meal to include a variety of food groups and avoid excessively large portion sizes. Be sure to opt for nutrient-dense, whole foods like fresh produce and lean protein over packaged and processed foods. Drinking adequate amounts of water and avoiding sugary beverages is also an important part of maintaining a balanced diet.
It’s essential to listen to your body’s hunger and fullness signals. Eating until you’re comfortably full instead of overeating can help prevent binge eating and overconsumption. This also means avoiding distractions while eating, such as watching TV or scrolling through social media, as it can lead to mindless eating and overconsumption.
Lastly, incorporating balance also means incorporating treats and indulgences in moderation. Depriving yourself of favorite foods can create an unhealthy relationship with food and lead to overconsumption in the long run. Enjoying a small serving of a favorite food or treat in moderation can help prevent overindulgence and create a healthier relationship with food.
By prioritizing a balanced diet filled with nutrient-dense whole foods, listening to our body’s signals, and enjoying treats in moderation, we can create sustainable and healthy eating habits.
Regular Exercise Routine
Regular exercise is an essential component of a healthy lifestyle and can help you break the cycle of boredom eating. By incorporating physical activity into your daily routine, you can boost your metabolism, burn calories, and improve your overall well-being.
There are numerous benefits to maintaining a regular exercise routine, including:
| Benefits of Regular Exercise |
|---|
| Helps you manage weight |
| Reduces the risk of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, and certain types of cancer |
| Improves mood and reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety |
| Boosts energy levels and reduces fatigue |
| Improves sleep quality |
| Strengthens bones and muscles |
| Increases flexibility and mobility |
However, starting and maintaining an exercise routine can be challenging, especially if you are not used to being physically active. To overcome this challenge, start small and gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workouts. You can also try a variety of activities and find the ones you enjoy the most.
Here are some tips for developing a regular exercise routine:
- Set realistic goals: Start with small, achievable goals and gradually progress to more challenging ones.
- Choose activities you enjoy: Find physical activities that you enjoy, such as biking, swimming, or dancing, and incorporate them into your routine.
- Mix up your routine: Vary your workouts to prevent boredom and challenge your body in different ways.
- Make it a habit: Schedule your workouts at the same time every day or week, so they become a regular part of your routine.
- Get support: Join a fitness class or find a workout buddy to help keep you accountable and motivated.
Incorporating regular exercise into your life can help you break the cycle of boredom eating and achieve your weight loss goals. Remember to start small, set realistic goals, and choose activities you enjoy to make exercise a sustainable part of your healthy lifestyle.
Maintaining a Healthy Mindset
Maintaining a healthy mindset is crucial for breaking the cycle of boredom eating and creating sustainable healthy habits. Here are some ways to work on your psychological well-being:
| Practice mindfulness | Pay attention to your thoughts and emotions without judgement. This can help you become more aware of your triggers and make conscious decisions about your food choices. |
| Cultivate gratitude | Focusing on what you are grateful for can boost your mood and reduce stress, making you less likely to turn to food for comfort. |
| Challenge negative self-talk | If you catch yourself thinking negatively about your body or your ability to stick to your healthy habits, challenge those thoughts with positive affirmations. Remind yourself of your strengths and progress. |
| Engage in self-care activities | Make time for activities that bring you joy and relaxation, such as taking a bath, going for a walk, or practicing a hobby. |
| Seek support | Don’t hesitate to reach out to friends, family, or a mental health professional for support and guidance on your journey. |
When you prioritize your mental and emotional health, you will be better equipped to handle the challenges of breaking the cycle of boredom eating and creating a sustainable healthy lifestyle.
Conclusion
In conclusion, breaking the cycle of boredom eating is essential for anyone looking to achieve their weight loss goals and lead a healthier life. Through understanding the connection between boredom and eating, identifying triggers, finding alternative activities, building a support system, and changing one’s mindset and relationship with food, individuals can successfully break free from the harmful habits of boredom eating.
Managing cravings and adopting a sustainable healthy lifestyle are also critical components. By understanding one’s cravings, opting for healthy snack alternatives, and practicing mindful eating, individuals can reduce the frequency and intensity of their cravings. Additionally, adopting a balanced diet and regular exercise routine, as well as maintaining a healthy mindset, are key to achieving long-term success.
It’s important to remember that breaking the cycle of boredom eating is a journey, and it won’t happen overnight. However, with patience, perseverance, and the right tools and resources, it’s a journey that anyone can embark on and succeed. By taking small, consistent steps and focusing on progress rather than perfection, individuals can reach their goals and live a happier, healthier life free from the negative effects of boredom eating.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can boredom lead to overeating?
Boredom can lead to overeating because food can become a source of entertainment or distraction from the feeling of boredom.
What are some common psychological triggers for boredom eating?
Some common psychological triggers for boredom eating include stress, anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem.
How can social triggers contribute to boredom eating?
Social triggers such as peer pressure, social events, or celebrating with food can contribute to boredom eating.
What are some environmental triggers for boredom eating?
Environmental triggers for boredom eating can include the sight or smell of food, being in a certain location, or boredom-producing environments such as work or home.
How can finding alternative activities help combat boredom eating?
Finding alternative activities such as exercising, reading, or taking up a new hobby can help distract from the boredom and provide a healthier alternative to eating.
Why is building a support system important for stopping boredom eating?
Building a support system can help provide accountability, encouragement, and problem-solving strategies to combat boredom eating.
How can mindful eating help manage cravings for unhealthy foods?
Mindful eating involves paying attention to the present moment while eating, which can help slow down eating, reduce overeating, and increase satisfaction and pleasure in eating healthier foods.
What are some healthy snack alternatives for managing cravings?
Healthy snack alternatives include fruits, vegetables with dip, unsweetened yogurt, nuts or seeds, and air-popped popcorn.
Why is regular exercise important for creating a sustainable healthy lifestyle?
Regular exercise can help improve overall health, manage weight, reduce stress and anxiety, and improve self-esteem and confidence.
How can maintaining a healthy mindset support sustainable healthy habits?
Maintaining a healthy mindset can help increase motivation, reduce negative self-talk, promote self-care, and increase the likelihood of making healthy choices.
