Is it really worth it for that brief moment of happiness?

FREE WORKSHEET TO HELP YOU STOP EMOTIONAL OVEREATING:

We instinctively avoid negative emotions and seek to escape pain because our primitive brains are wired for survival. Life includes both positive and negative experiences.

When facing difficult emotions, we often see something is wrong and seek external solutions, leading to emotional numbing of boredom, shame, loneliness, and sadness. Pursuing pleasure often means chasing false or indulgent quick dopamine hits, like thinking, "I should eat," "I should buy," or "I need a drink."

Instant gratification options are abundant, but they rarely satisfy long-term.

Overindulgence worsens cravings, causing temporary pleasure but negative outcomes like weight gain, hangovers, and overspending, which then lead to guilt and self-loathing.