How many times have you reached for a comfort snack only to find yourself underwhelmed by its taste and feeling even less satisfied than before? There’s good news: There’s a simple way to make your food taste better and feel more fulfilling. The answer? Reduce your stress level. Whether that means going for a brisk walk, meditating, or trying a little yoga, the key is to get your mind and body into a more relaxed state.
Swiss researchers from the University of Geneva found that, while stress can drive us to crave something comforting like a chocolate bar, it also lessens our enjoyment of the indulgence we’re seeking. In other words, if you want your food to be more satisfying, you need to reduce your stress levels.
The link between stress and satisfaction
Researcher Eva Pool explains that having experienced stress, our cravings for something comforting tend to increase. However, it’s important to note that “while stress increases our desire to indulge in rewards, it does not necessarily increase the enjoyment we experience.”
In their experiment, participants who were feeling stressed were found to enjoy their indulgences less than they expected to. On the other hand, individuals who were more relaxed didn’t experience a reduced level of satisfaction from eating comfort food.
Tobias Brosch, another researcher involved in the study, adds that “stress plays a critical role in many psychological disorders and is one of the most important factors determining relapses in addiction, gambling, and binge eating.”
So, how can we reduce stress for better food experiences?
Here are some effective ways to lower your stress levels and thereby increase your enjoyment and satisfaction from food:
1. Engage in regular physical activity
The benefits of regular exercise are immense, including reducing stress and improving overall mood. According to the Mayo Clinic, any form of physical activity can act as a natural stress reliever by stimulating the production of endorphins, the brain’s feel-good neurotransmitters. So whether you love running, swimming, or dancing, pick an activity you enjoy, and make it a consistent part of your routine.
2. Stay connected with friends and family
Having a strong social support network is crucial when it comes to managing stress. Encouraging words from loved ones or simply sharing a laugh can go a long way in reducing feelings of tension and pressure. The American Psychological Association recommends connecting with those who can provide emotional support, like friends, family, or co-workers.
3. Prioritize self-care
Setting aside time for self-care activities can help manage stress and increase life satisfaction. This may include activities such as a leisurely bath, reading a good book, or going for a leisurely walk in nature. According to Healthline, prioritizing self-care can lead to better productivity, increased self-esteem, and better overall health.
4. Practice mindfulness techniques
Incorporating mindfulness practices, such as meditation or deep-breathing exercises, into your daily routine has been shown to help reduce stress and increase mental clarity. Studies have found that practicing mindfulness can help reduce emotional eating and improve your relationship with food (Harvard Health Publishing).
5. Get sufficient sleep
Poor sleep is a significant contributor to stress and anxiety, so it’s essential to prioritize getting enough shut-eye each night. A study from the National Sleep Foundation found that sleep-deprived individuals are more likely to report feeling overwhelmed, irritable, and unable to concentrate.
Finding pleasure in food again
By making an effort to reduce your stress levels, you’re not only improving your mental and emotional well-being but also allowing yourself to enjoy life’s simple pleasures, like the taste of your favorite comfort food. So the next time you’re feeling stressed and reach for that chocolate bar, try taking a few deep breaths or going for a walk instead. You might find that your food tastes much better—and is more satisfying—when you’re in a relaxed state of mind.
