Have you ever regretted texting an ex, eating another slice of pizza, or ordering that thing from Amazon in the middle of the night? Well, there is a tool you can use to stop making the same mistake over and over. It's called H.A.L.T. With H.A.L.T, you assess the situation according to four needs before taking any action.: Hungry, Angry, Lonely, and Tired. Ask yourself, "I hungry, angry, lonely, or tired?" If you answer yes to another of the four needs, tend to that need first. You may be surprised by your lessened desire to move forward with the initial desire.
On the other hand, what about those who are suffering or recovering from an eating disorder and can't tell if they're hungry? They can use the acronym tool AGHAST! What does the acronym A.G.H.AS.T. mean? It stands for, Angry, Guilty, Happy, Anxious, Sad, and Tired.
Knowing how each feeling feels is important in recovering from any addictive behaviors, especially eating disorders. Disordered eating is a symptom of unmanaged feelings or situations. Excessive food numbs the senses, and restrictive eating starves the feelings. Even happy feelings can be confusing. It is a good idea to check-in with positive things happening in your life. Self-sabotage is common in addictive behaviors, so use H.A.L.T. or A.G.H.A.S.T., and check yourself before you wreck yo'self.