The Science Behind Why We Binge
Binging doesn't just involve food or drink. We can binge on shopping and other behaviors, too.... but why?
Turns out our binging behavior comes from three causes: psychological, chemical or sociocultural.
Psyche: Stress and anxiety can make us more prone to binge. Have you ever muttered the phrase "retail therapy?" Being stressed (or anxious) makes us more prone to reward-seeking behavior. Depression can also lead us to binging---anything to feel "happy" again, even if it's chemically induced! Which brings us to....
Chemical: It's old news that fat and sugar make our brain release the feel-good chemical dopamine, but did you know that alcohol can have the same effect? Seeing new things to buy can also have this effect! Here's why: "Once the brain secretes dopamine during binges, they can become a physical addiction---we binge more and more because we crave the rush of chemicals. Similarly, low levels or dopamine and serotonin (another feel-good chemical) can lead to compulsive behavior (like binging)."
Sociocultural: Peer pressure exists long past our teen years! (And it's not always obvious!) The consumerism society we live can also drive us to binge a la "keeping up with the Jones'".
So what can you do? Be happy! Live as a stress-free minimalist! (Ha! so much easier said than done!)
Here's a more down-to-earth answer: The next time you binge, explore your emotional landscape. What's really going on?
Recently I was staying with a friend and her son wanted to stay home from school, saying he didn't feel well. She agreed, but when he asked again the next day (and he didn't really seem sick) she asked him what was really going on? Was something happening at school? Did he not do his homework? Was there a big test? Was someone bullying him? And so forth.
Same is true for us grownups. Sometimes we need to look behind the curtain. Why are we drinking? Why are we face first in a pint of ice cream? Why are we maxing out our credit cards at the mall? Why do we even say "retail therapy" ??
I'm by no means perfect, but sometimes stopping to think about it can help change things! And if nothing else, help prevent the regret that almost always follows a binge.
You can also visit a cognitive behavioral therapist for help and treatment. I have OCD (which causes anxiety) and talking about some of my emotions with a professional has given me a lot of clarity! Support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous, Overeaters Anonymous or Debtors Anonymous can also be helpful.
Take care of you.
Remember: you are worth it. The brownie/beer/credit card charge is NOT worth it!
Hugs! Have a good weekend!
Lindsay
*Information in this article adapted from Shape Magazine, "The Science Behind Why We Binge" Oct. 23, 2013