I know that loneliness is something that a lot of us struggle with when it comes to food and body issues. Trust me, I know what it’s like to not feel comfortable in your own skin, and to want to hide away for a million years rather than go out to a restaurant with friends and endure the panic that can cause. 

A lot of times, loneliness can be one of the main reasons WHY you binge eat. It’s another one of those vicious cycles that is far too common with this struggle. You binge because you feel lonely, and then you feel lonely because you socially isolate due to hating the way you look, not wanting to eat in front of others, and being terrified of being seen and heard. And THAT is really what it all comes down to…

We want so badly to be seen and heard for who we truly are, but at the same time, that is the very thing that scares us the most. 

And here’s where working on these issues from the inside out–and really digging into and healing the emotional stuff–can lead to epic transformation. When you come to a place of self-compassion and self-love, you start to be firm in your truth. You tap into a well of authenticity that makes you feel liberated and empowered. After awhile, you won’t give two flying craps what other people think of you. Speaking your truth, and living your life as your highest, best, and most authentic self will be waaay more important to you. 

But first, you need to work on that loneliness part. I know it’s something that causes so many of you pain – a lot of you wrote about it in our content survey. So here are some of my top tips to overcome loneliness: 

• Be okay with being alone. There is nothing wrong or shameful about being by yourself. Bask in that alone time. Look at it as an act of self-care. Once you are more comfortable with being alone, it becomes less of a “bad thing,” and less of a binge trigger. 

• Allow yourself to be vulnerable. I know vulnerability can be terrifying, but it can also be freeing AF. I’ve seen this again and again in The Society. Clients are always terrified of “sharing their stuff” with a group of strangers, and you know what? By the end of the program, it’s the thing they cherish most. Vulnerability comes from the truest part of you, and when you share that part of you with others, you’re showing up as your best self and giving them permission to do the same. 

• Find your tribe. If there’s something I learned over the years and through this work, it’s that community is key. Why waste time and energy on toxic relationships, when you can find likeminded and like-hearted people who just get you? Yeah, it can be a little awkward and intimidating to seek out new friendships, but I promise you – it’s worth it. 

If you’ve found other ways to overcome loneliness, I’d love to hear about them. I still read and reply to every email I get, so hit “reply” and drop me a line.