Obviously, we’re all busy. We have far too much to do and far too little time in which to do it. And so in order to save time, we tend to neglect the little perks of life—sleeping, relaxing, hygiene and inevitably, eating. It’s easy to go into survival mode when work is overwhelming and there’s only 15 minutes to eat before your next meeting. If you even make it to the dining hall, it’s hard to stay for any length of time before hurrying off to complete your next task. We sit down, eat as fast as we can and get out. But this hustle and bustle attitude towards eating could cause even more stress than we already have. In addition to putting us at risk for acid reflux, possible weight gain, choking and other physical problem, it’s just not as fun, and it makes you feel yucky. We all have to eat, so I say we all just relax and take a few extra seconds to think about and appreciate what it is that we’re’re eating. “But how?” one may ask. My answer: Mindfulness.
First off, what is mindfulness? It sounds weird and new agey, I know. Truth be told, it sort of is. You see, it’s a technique, used by therapists and crystal toting hippies alike, meant to reduce the harmful effects stress can have on our minds and bodies.
According to the Women’s Heart Foundation, “Mindfulness Meditation has been shown to help a person manage stressful situations by increasing one’s awareness and by making the mind more receptive one’s current situation and internal states. It is a method of fully embracing with minimal resistance one’s current life situation and internal states.”
Sounds pretty good, huh? But what, you may be asking, does this have to do with eating? Applying the basic principals of mindfulness can help one to enjoy the act of eating and relieve stress from the day rather than accumulate more. Here are some suggestions to increase your awareness of eating:
1) Make active choices in your eating rather than just slopping down whatever is there. Think about what you really would like to eat. Look at the food you are about to eat. Notice the way it’s arranged on the plate, how it looks, what colors are present, what textures you see.
2) While eating, take the time to note the taste and texture of each bite you take. Notice how the food feels as you chew and swallow it. Try to follow the path of the food and it makes its way down your throat into your stomach.
3) SLOW DOWN. Many of us eat at quite an accelerated pace. If you find yourself finished eating before anyone else at your table, try taking at least ten bites of your food before swallowing. It’s better for digestion and you’ll be surprised at how few bites you’re accustomed to taking.
4) Eating alone? Try to finish your meal without reading. See what it’s like when you actually pay attention to the food you’re eating. When your mind wanders, try to bring it back to the experience of eating.
The bottom line is—enjoy yourself. No, you shouldn’t neglect your friends or conversation in order to concentrate on your Beef Ole’, but try to treat eating as a pleasant experience rather than an annoying chore. This will help make your meals a more relaxing, happy and tasty experience.
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