Chapter 1: The Role of Food in Stress Management

In my quest to manage stress, I often found myself indulging in comfort foods and listening to music. Picture this: enjoying Bon Jovi's tunes underwater, savoring six Nutella-filled croissants, and belting out karaoke in Japan. These are some of the ways I cope with stress.

Beyond my earlier experiences with nature therapy and meditation, I want to delve into how emotional eating and the uplifting sounds of Tina Turner’s "Proud Mary" played a significant role in alleviating my anxiety.

Section 1.1: The Illusion of Comfort Food

Did my stress and anxiety truly vanish with a sugary treat or a fizzy drink? I wanted to believe that a quick sugar rush could wipe away all my worries. While it did provide temporary relief, the effects were short-lived. As I indulged in calories after each sugar high, I found myself facing obesity at just 14 years old. It was a challenging time, but I realized that I was the one responsible for my choices, not my busy parents.

After school, my sister and I would devour cookies and brioche slathered in Nutella without anyone watching, leading to significant weight gain that eventually drew the attention of family members. Standing at 1.6 meters (5.2 feet) and weighing around 80 kg, I knew my BMI was concerning. Despite my fears of being bullied, I continued to binge on calories until I stumbled upon the reality-check show "You Are What You Eat." Luckily, my situation didn’t escalate to dire consequences, and my desire to change prompted me to start a diet.

The comfort I felt from sweet treats gave me a false sense of security, convincing me that everything would turn out fine. Before exams or interviews, I’d stash my favorite snacks in my bag, believing they would boost my confidence. But was this a mature way to cope? I eventually sought healthier outlets for my emotions, including joining a dance club, which marked the beginning of my transformation — both physically and mentally.

Section 1.2: The Transformative Power of Music

Growing up with two older sisters, my childhood was filled with music from artists like Britney Spears, JLo, and Eminem. My sister and I would dance in the living room, while our father chuckled outside with his cigar. Those moments, combined with our grandmother’s musical talent and our mother’s choir experiences, fostered my love for music.

I eventually joined my sister at her dance school, overcoming my initial hesitation about being the only boy in a dance class. My passion for dance flourished over the next decade, allowing me to express my emotions and gain confidence. However, I had to pause my dancing journey upon entering university, which led me to explore music in a different light.

To manage stress during exams or internships, I would sing my heart out to songs like "Proud Mary" and "Livin' on a Prayer." I often caught curious glances from passing drivers during my solo concerts, but that didn’t deter me. Singing made me feel powerful and energized, as if I had just received a spiritual boost.

Years later, while living in China and Japan, I frequented karaoke bars with friends. These gatherings provided an outlet for expressing feelings of joy and sadness, while also celebrating weekends. In Japan, it’s common to visit karaoke alone, a habit I embraced to unwind from the pressures of my corporate job.

Singing in the pool became another stress-relief technique for me. Have you ever tried it? It’s exhilarating! The pool offers a perfect escape for letting out all that pent-up stress.

Chapter 2: Insights from Experts

In the video titled "How to Manage 'Stress Eating' & Compulsive Eating," Dr. Elissa Epel and Dr. Andrew Huberman discuss the relationship between stress and eating behaviors. This insightful conversation sheds light on how we can effectively manage our eating habits in response to stress.

The second video, "Binge Eating Disorder: Symptoms, Common Triggers, & Treatment," produced by Mass General Brigham, explores the complexities of binge eating and offers valuable information on its symptoms and treatment options.

In conclusion, food and music have been integral to my stress management journey. These practices have not only provided comfort but have also helped me find healthier ways to cope with life's challenges. Below are links to my previous writings on stress management.