Overeating During The Pandemic

To tackle disordered eating, whether during a crisis or not, we must understand why we’re overeating, then take steps to break the cycle of anxiety, shame and sadness that characterizes the disorder. One way to do that, studies have shown, is through something we can all especially benefit from: self-compassion.

Using self-compassion to deal with emotions can calm the emotional and physical stress that fuels unhealthy eating behavior:

• Self-directed kindness can ease the flight-or-fight response by activating the soothing part of the brain.
• Once the body relaxes, the to...