Excerpt from 50 Ways to Soothe Yourself Without Food

It's time to stop going to the refrigerator or cupboards whenever you feel the urge to eat and start dealing with the problems you're trying to mask. Start with these 10 self-soothing techniques from psychologist Dr. Susan Albers' book 50 Ways to Soothe Yourself Without Food.

By Dr. Susan Albers

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Finding Your Mindful Spirit

Choose a short prayer or saying that holds special meaning for you. It could be a verse from the Bible or another spiritual book. Make sure you pick something very short, no longer than a few lines. Also, it must be something that you can repeat from memory. This phrase should connect with you or move you in a soulful way. Here are some suggestions: the twenty-third psalm, St. Francis's prayer, Buddha's discourse on good will, and the Serenity Prayer used by 12-step groups all across the world.
Repeat the verse several times until your urge to eat lessens.

If you can't find a verse or saying you like, or if you are still looking for one, try this meditational prayer:

Tranquility in front of me.
Calmness beside me.
Stillness around me.
Compassion inside me.

Published on November 19, 2000

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