Comfort Cravings

How to soothe yourself without food—and how to eat healthfully and mindfully.

by Susan Albers, Psy.D.

Oprah's Secret to Feeling Good

Published on May 25, 2011 by Susan Albers, Psy.D. in Comfort Cravings

Goodbye Oprah. We'll miss you! Thankfully, we only have to switch channels to stay in touch. In an MSN review of all-time best Oprah moments, notice that several of them revolve around her giving things away like cars, a trip to Australia, and her "favorite things" etc.

Oprah learned an important secret somewhere along the way. Nothing feels better than giving someone a gift for no reason whatsoever. Seems counterintuitive doesn't it? Whether big or small, giving a spontaneous gift gets immediate results. Instant happiness. It's nice when something out of the blue makes you smile. In turn, giving often makes you feel good too.

Try it out today. Give something away. If you struggle with food, instead of reaching for chocolate to ease stress, try gifting the candy bar. See how you feel. One of my officemates sometimes surprises me with a cup of coffee when she gets one for herself. When coffee really hits the spot, I feel like I've won the lottery.

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I'll start! If you aren't already my "Friend" on Facebook, do so today. http://www.facebook.com/people/Susan-Albers-EatingMindfully/1420148646 Then "Like" the posting of this article. You will be entered into a random drawing for a free t-shirt, bag or coupons for Brueggers's new "skinny bagels."

I feel good already.

Susan Albers, Psy.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist at the Cleveland Clinic specializing in eating issues, weight loss, body image concerns, and mindfulness. She is the author of 50 Ways to Soothe Yourself Without Food, Eating Mindfully, Eat, Drink, and Be Mindful, and Mindful Eating 101 and is a Huffington Post and Psychology Today blogger. Her books have been quoted in the Wall Street Journal, O, the Oprah Magazine, Natural Health, Self Magazine and on the Dr. Oz TV show. Visit Albers online at http://www.eatingmindfully.com.