The Art of Listening
How to reduce binge eating by stimulating the right hormones naturally and for free
Four Key Hormones
Hormones are messengers in the body
A bit like simple vehicles that drive through internal highways to transport messages between your body systems and organs. They decide when you are going to sleep, when you wake up, when you eat and when you stop eating. When they are at odds in the body they can trigger binge eating.
In this article I will share with you four hormones that are responsible for motivation, joy and happiness and explain how you can stimulate them naturally and for free. All you need is to gradually add small practices to your daily routine and see the difference it makes.
Hormone one
Serotonin
Responsible for pleasure, happiness and emotional wellbeing.
What can you do?
Practice gratitude
Saying thank you and cultivating gratitude activates serotonin in the brain.
Refuse to use your time and energy to complain
This depletes your own serotonin levels and makes you unhappy.
Enjoy moments in nature
Be present for these moments. This will raise serotonin and foster your emotional wellbeing.
Look at photos of happy memories
This increases happiness and the feel good serotonin.
Hormone Two
Endorphine
A natural analgesic that helps to manage stress and induces relaxation.
What can you do?
Practice a hobby
If nothing comes to mind maybe think of something you used to enjoy that not longer do OR think about a new hobby that you could introduce in your routine going forward. Make sure you engage with something that YOU truly enjoy.
Have a good laugh
Think of something funny like a joke or look for comic books, videos or programs that offer a good laugh.
Singing and dancing
Ok. You do not need to do it for anyone other than yourself. The idea is to stimulate your vagus nerve and add joyful movement along with music that you enjoy. Nobody needs to know you are doing this. Focus on the benefits and try to remove any judgement.
Listen to music while you paint or doodle
Play your favourite tracks, get the kids crayons or simply doodle away after a stressful day in work.
Enjoyable physical activity
The only trick here is that you pick something you truly enjoy.
Hormone Three
Dopamine
The 'reward' hormone produces pleasure and makes it difficult to say "No" to food.
What can you do?
Sleep
Aim for 6-9 hours per night. This varies from person to person.
Physical activity
Pick something enjoyable.
Celebrate every small win
Everyday is filled with so many small achievements. Registered them and celebrate.
Hormone Four
Oxytocin
Has an important role in human behaviours and social interaction. It promotes trust and relationship building.
What can you do?
Meditation
Give or receive a hug
Offer or accept a gift
Do an act of kindness
Pet your animal
Prayer
Move Forward
Daily progress
If you work on increasing these four hormones on a daily basis you will be less likely to turn to food to cope, to celebrate or to manage feelings.
These tips can be super helpful, but if you find that you still need further support get in touch to see how we can work together.