During times when you feel unsettled, anxious and insecure, food can easily become your security blanket.
Instead of reaching for food, learn how to create a sense of “emotional safety.”
When you feel emotionally safe, you can relax, heave a big sigh, and say, “Ahh…,” acknowledging that, at least for the moment, you are completely at ease.
Emotional safety also gives you a sense of being “grounded” as well as protected, strong, and secure.
Think about how you can create an emotionally safe place in your life. Choose a room, a corner or even a small area of a work cubicle that you can turn into your “ahh” space.
Gather a few favorite objects that always help make you feel comfortable and secure. Personalize the area with posters, candles, or stuffed animals.
Brighten it with flowers or plants, and then add a music player or a radio for soft, relaxing sounds.
Anytime life wears you down and leaves you feeling uneasy or discouraged, go to this “ahh” place and rebuild a sense of safety and calm. At work, renew your energy and your focus by touching the objects in your “ahh” corner.
Don’t ignore your need for emotional safety. Instead, notice when you feel anxious or unsettled, then intentionally do something that will help you feel grounded and solid again.
Today’s assignment (My answers are in blue)
1. Decide where you can create an “ahh” place for yourself. Describe your plan.
My basement office where I have a great recliner chair. I also have a nice reading light, and a stereo for quiet background music. I love sitting in my special chair, drinking tea and reading.
2. Personalize this area with a variety of nurturing items such as plants, photos, or stuffed animals. Draw a picture of your setting or write about what you added.
I’ve worked hard to get the right kind of music, lighting, and even plants to make my sitting area feel wonderful.
3. Sit in the safe place you’ve created, then describe the setting, including how you feel in it.
When I sit in this room, I feel very focused and comfortable. I’m also not tempted to go hunting for food. Just having tea and listening to music is very grounding and satisfying.