Snacks, Walks and Recovery
/I was blessed that the dust eventually settled after I first disclosed my addiction to my wife. Once it did, one of the steps we took was to create a relapse prevention plan. As part of that plan we included falling back on my food "addiction" as an emergency measure. While it's not a cure, indulging in sloppy hamburgers and jelly doughnuts has saved me from porn binges more than once. It's just an emergency measure because junk food negatively affects how I feel physically, and when I don't feel well, I'm less powerful in my recovery. This makes how I eat, as well as exercise, important parts of my recovery.
For many, this can be a delicate topic, often wrapped up in the emotional turmoil that also underlies one's harmful behaviors. So, this post isn't a call for significant lifestyle changes, which is a matter for self-reflection, prayer, and for some, consultation with a good doctor or therapist. Instead, I aim to look at how simple adjustments, like skipping a snack or dessert, and engaging in activities such as weight lifting, walks, and hikes, can be valuable tools for recovery.
Let's look first at exercise, known to release endorphins, the body's natural mood enhancers, playing a pivotal role in managing emotional challenges. Since learning the power and value of a simple prayerful walk at Warrior Heart bootcamp, I've often wondered if such a thing shouldn't replace the emergency measure in my relapse prevention plan mentioned earlier. Now that I see God as my loving friend, the thought of a walk with Him no longer carries the dread of feeling judged or being commanded to try harder, as it used to. Instead, it carries the hope of renewed strength and clarity of thought. Even a walk without prayer or some light weight lifting brings about clarity of thought. Adding the satisfaction of accomplishing a goal, fresh air, and the inspiring views of a hike creates a powerful ally in recovery.
What I eat, and sometimes more importantly, how I feel about what I eat, directly impacts how I feel physically and emotionally. For me, this means that indulging in that bag of M&Ms (or three) in the afternoon to ease some stress at work or enjoying a bowl of ice cream after dinner translates into later grogginess, regret and foggy thinking that can influence decisions I make on my phone or computer later in the evening. When I sense the draw of pornography, I hope to use the clarity of thought I have during the day to decide against this kind of snacking, protecting myself from its effects in the evening.
In recovery, I can often live outside of reality: the light of my relationships and purpose in life can be dulled. In that state, the pull of pornography encounters less resistance. The effect that even a little exercise or small decision regarding snacking has on brightening that light can't be understated.
What next?
Consider what impact exercise could have had on your last slip-up.
Consider how snacking may have influenced your last slip-up.
Prayerfully develop plans to employ the weapons of exercise and good snacking decisions against your next potential slip-up.
Don't do this at the expense of connection with God and brother/sisterhood. These and others are more powerful weapons.
By Ty, Writing Team
