Are you experiencing boredom?
This is something that came up strongly for me when I stopped buffering with food, meaning when I let go of using food for short-term comfort.
I experienced boredom and loneliness in a very strong way for the first time. I’m not going to lie, it was challenging and super uncomfortable.
These feelings come up for my clients too, as they stop eating the foods that give them false pleasure.
It doesn’t feel good!
The discomfort that boredom brings up is the reason that many people jump from one buffer to another. For example, when they give up alcohol, they might start smoking more or someone who gives up sugar may notice their social media time increasing.
This is not what I advocate for. I help women FEEL IT ALL…the boredom, the loneliness, and on the flip side, the joy and the confidence.
So what do we do with that boredom….other than feel it and allow the discomfort?
Well, you’ve got to start finding new pleasures. The way to find them is to try them!
Maybe it’s time to get out into the community, join a book club, start walking in the evenings, or take a painting class?
It’s not going to be comfortable in the beginning, but it’s the only way to figure out what you actually like!
I’ve taken up reading non-work related books, getting into fascinating novels. I had no idea I’d love reading so much! I can’t put my kindle down sometimes.
I also began listening to music again and discovering new artists that I love.
I reach out to friends more often, go on coffee dates.
It’s opened me up to so much more life than I used to experience. Buffering was such a massive time waster that I wasn’t even aware was going on.
So if you’ve recently given up comfort food as your primary source of pleasure and are experiencing boredom or loneliness, I encourage you to get creative. Consider what’s possible. What might you like to do? What do you want to create? And just go for it! Try it on and see what sticks.
Your life will soon become way more pleasurable and fulfilling than ever before, and I’m a fan of that!!
In health & happiness,
Jamie
