To stop emotional overeating, we must reconnect with our
spiritual/creative selves. For many of us one avenue to
rediscovering our creative spirits is through connection with
our pets. You may be wondering what animals have to do with
stopping emotional overeating? Plenty! As mentioned earlier,
central issues for anyone with food control issues include low
self-esteem, elevated stress levels, physical and emotional
problems, inactivity and fatigue, low self-confidence and
social isolation. So, I cannot resist including this small
section on the therapeutic effects of our little furry or
feathered friends. Research has shown that living with and
caring for animals helps remedy all of the above conditions.
About twenty-five years ago professionals began using animals
to help patients with physical and psychological problems and
over time the field of study has expanded. It is now well
accepted that our animal friends provide us with numerous
benefits. Being with them is not only good for us but perhaps
necessary for health and happiness.
Many kinds of animals have helped humans in ways we are
only beginning to understand and appreciate. There is evidence
that people with pets are healthier, less prone to
hypertension and heart disease, have lower blood pressure,
less anxiety and manage their stress more effectively. They
are more active, social, connected, and responsible and have
higher levels of self-esteem. Pets give unconditional love and
help us to focus outside of ourselves. There is no doubt that
animals of many species can help us correct imbalances in our
systems and ultimately to heal eating disorders.
Blood pressure is lowered when we watch fish swim lazily in
an aquarium, or when we talk with our bird, hamster, ferret,
goat or turtle companion. Petting an animal can have the same
effect -- be it a dog, cat, guinea pig or horse. Pets also
provide a sympathetic ear and we can confide our most secret
thoughts and feelings without fear of being judged or exposed.
This is most therapeutic! An animal provides a channel for
communication and we can express our feelings through verbal
and physical interactions with our trusted pets. They provide
a willing ear and are a source of unconditional love and
companionship.
To illustrate, I will share a bit about my West Highland
Terrier, Sapphi (pronounced Saffy). People laugh when I tell
them she is one of my greatest teachers. I’m not joking. My
puppy has been sharing her boundless wisdom with me for the
eight years she has occupied a place in my home and heart.
Sapphi lights up when I enter a room and I light up whenever I
see her. She generously provides the unconditional love and
attention that I have always craved. She is my daily
companion, my playmate, my confidante and my comforter. She is
vital and alive and a constant reminder of what’s important in
my life.
Sapphi is also a role model. She lives a simple life. Her
needs are minimal. She is happy giving kisses and receiving a
small bowl of kibble, a walk and a few pats in exchange. This
reminds me that life needn’t be so complicated and serious.
She doesn’t need “things” to be satisfied. On the other hand,
she exuberantly loves a new bone or chew toy. She
enthusiastically bounces all over the room, rolls on the
floor, and spins in circles when she is the recipient of such
good fortune. She is wrapped in the wonder of her experience
and launches her whole self into it. When there is no
surprise, however, she is content with the simple routine of
her life.
Sapphi lives in the present moment and that is one of the
most important lessons she has to teach. When she is running,
she is running. When she is eating, she is eating. It is that
simple. Would that it could be that easy for each of us!
Sapphi doesn’t worry about what happened yesterday and I doubt
she is concerned about tomorrow. To me, she serves as a
constant reminder to be in the present moment and fully enjoy
each new experience.
When Sapphi is angry with me (i.e. if I am a few minutes
late letting her out of her crate in the morning) and I ask
her for a kiss, she turns her head to the side, raises her
nose into the air, gazes at the ceiling and refuses my
request. This behavior lasts for ten to fifteen seconds and
then I am showered with her wet, sloppy loving kisses. She
expresses her feelings and then she lets her anger go. She
doesn’t spend the day harboring a grudge. Her feelings have
been expressed and quickly dissipated. She doesn’t mope about
it or let resentment ruin an otherwise perfect day. She has
moved on. We can benefit from this example.
Sapphi doesn’t worry about her weight. When she gets
weighed by the vet she never frets because the numbers mean
nothing to her. She is too busy watching the other people and
animals in the waiting room. It is clear she is focused on the
activity outside of herself. She knows she is perfect just as
she is. She models a healthy attitude.
Animals have much to teach. They model patience, tolerance
and unconditional love. Animals illustrate the importance of
living in the moment and getting outside of our selves. They
promote health by making us laugh and taking us for walks.
Pets provide a source of comfort. They are faithful,
nonjudgmental listeners. We can relate to our animal
companions and benefit simply from having them in the room.
In addition to being my friend, Sapphi is also a registered
therapy dog and she spends her days working with me in my
office. As I talk with clients, she sits nearby napping or
chewing her bone. If asked, she will happily sit on a client’s
lap and accept attention. If clients cry or become upset, she
tries to comfort them. She lets them hug her when they need to
and accepts their sobbing. She licks away their salty tears if
they wish. She seems to understand. When she flips her bone
into the air and chases it across the office floor the session
lightens and clients focus outwardly for a minute. This often
helps clients view their problems differently. A number have
remarked that they enjoy seeing me but it’s really Sapphi whom
they find most therapeutic. They quickly follow this by saying
they’re joking, but I doubt that they are.
If you do decide that having a pet may be helpful for you,
then be thoughtful when selecting one. Not all animals are
suitable for all situations. Talk with knowledgeable people
about animals and educate yourself before introducing a pet
into your family. Some pets need space to run. Others are
content to nap the day away in a small space. Some are
friendly and affectionate, others aloof and independent. Do
not rush into the pet shop and come home with a puppy or
kitten simply because it is adorable and you have fallen in
love with it. Find out as much as you can about it and
seriously consider whether or not it will be the perfect size
and temperament for your situation.
Be cautious. Have your local veterinarian examine the
animal you are considering. If you are choosing a pure bred
dog, ask the breeder to show you the American Kennel Club
papers and medical records. If they can’t produce a record of
puppy shots and health certificate, walk away. Remember, there
are often wonderful, loving pets of all kinds waiting for
adoption at animal shelters. These often make ideal choices.
If you are unable to bring a pet into your home, you might
volunteer to help at your local shelter. People are needed to
brush or walk dogs, nurture and cuddle cats and help in other
ways with animals they may have in residence. You are
guaranteed to benefit greatly. You will feel needed, get
exercise and companionship and improve your self-esteem at the
same time as you are helping the animals. It’s a win/win
situation!
So, however you decide to rekindle your spiritual/creative
connection, have fun. Stop being so serious. Let your
passionate, free, fun-loving self emerge. Figure out what you
need to do to bring more joy and zest into your life situation
and then DO IT! This will make all the difference with your
food control issues. I promise!
Warmly,
Dr. Denise
