Whenever things don’t go your way, it sucks! It could be the ending of a romantic relationship, a friendship that’s run it’s course, or the ending of a business opportunity. There’s the popular saying that you’ve must hit rock bottom before you can get back up to the top. Many people do that-aiming to hit “bottom”. They end up wasting time, energy, and possibly make bad irreve...

Whenever things don’t go your way, it sucks! It could be the ending of a romantic relationship, a friendship that’s run it’s course, or the ending of a business opportunity. There’s the popular saying that you’ve must hit rock bottom before you can get back up to the top. Many people do that-aiming to hit “bottom”. They end up wasting time, energy, and possibly make bad irreversible choices that can be damaging to one’s self-esteem. 

It’s OKAY to take a few days to grieve the loss of a relationship or job, but by dragging it out by going on a massive drinking or eating binge, will probably make you feel worse, and set you farther back from getting back on your feet and moving on with your life.

Set up boundaries for yourself…

Most people love a few cocktails after a long day at work, or enjoying a bottle of wine with a date or group of friends. That’s totally fine.

After a breakup, if those few drinks turn into more than you can remember and you end up passed out on your floor half dressed with no recollection of how you got home. That’s a good indicator that it’s time to re-evaluate what exactly you’re trying to accomplish from going out and getting obliterated. Are you meeting quality people and making the right decisions if you’re extremely intoxicated? Will you love yourself in the morning? If the answer is “I don’t know.” It’s time to do some thinking.

Social drinking can spiral into alcoholism, especially if you are going through emotional turmoil.

Same with occasionally smoking. It’s amazing how quickly that 1 cigarette a day can morph into 1 pack a day. 

Splurging on an indulgent dessert or an awesome slice of greasy pizza can be fun too. It’s called “comfort food” for a reason, and temporarily amps up your endorphins, giving you that cozy feeling and a sugar high. When that slice of pizza turns into a whole pie-(and not the personal pan size), or that piece of cake, turns into the ENTIRE cake…again, it’s time to take a look at what you’re doing to your body, and how it’s affecting your state of mind. 
 

Do Something Totally Different...

Go in the opposite direction. Cut back on booze, cigarettes and junk food. Sometimes the best opportunities evolve from getting laid off from a job-or a breakup. Everyone has excuses for WHY they can’t accomplish something. Or WHY they chain smoke or binge eat or drink, there’s always an excuse-to celebrate or mourn…but sometimes the best time to break bad habits are when there’s a the opportunity for a fresh start. Don’t let a break up break you down…or losing a job allow you to lose your mind. Think about it…has anything POSITIVE come from sabotaging your health and state of mind by getting inebriated or gorging on junk food? Probably not.

Randi Newton divides her time between New York and Los Angeles. Keep up with her on Twitter @WorldOfRandi, and her blog, www.wallstreetstripper.com, and her latest project, on Twitter @SeduceUTheBook.