Celio recommends drinking a full glass of plain water when anxious, even if it's the oldest tip. Since most people don't drink enough water, they may misinterpret hunger or stress for thirst.
Grab a glass of water
Celio thinks jotting things down on a notebook, not a phone or computer, helps relieve tension. She suggests listing your stressors and their causes in bullet points.
Write it down
Susan Albers, a Cleveland Clinic psychologist and New York Times bestselling author of Eating Mindfully, says she can reduce sugar cravings when stressed with a cup, heating water, a cinnamon stick, and a spoonful of honey.
Sip on tea
Levinson says she goes for a walk or run when she wants to eat due to stress, boredom, melancholy, or another emotion. Exercise releases endorphins that relax, and fresh air reduces stress.
Take a 15-minute walk
Peeling a clementine is a mindful relaxing practice. Albers believes peeling citrus fruit is a mini-meditative moment because you have to stop and use both hands.
Peel a clementine
Harbstreet advises choosing a snack that won't add to your tension. It may not be the best time to make a complicated, gourmet meal from scratch or use rare ingredients.
Make avocado toast
Research indicates that comfort food pleasure lasts only three minutes, adds Albers. I benefit from remembering this number. I wonder, What will make me feel better for more than 3 minutes? Usually not a cookie.
Think long-term
I love taking an English mustard bath, Albers adds. Heat has been provided by dried mustard since ancient times. A few teaspoons in a warm bath with Epsom salts and lavender essential oil creates immediate zen.
Take a mustard bath