The Ways We Run (And Why They Don't Work)
When stress gets unbearable, we run. Most of the time, we don't even realize we're doing it. Or we rationalize it: "I work hard, I deserve this!"
The running looks like: overeating, drinking too much, smoking, overworking, endless scrolling, constant phone checking, shopping for things we don't need, zoning out to TV for hours, going out to eat constantly, gambling. Insert your favorite vice here.
Here's the problem: These behaviors don't fix anything. They're distractions. Band-aids on gaping wounds. The situation causing your stress is still there, you just buried it temporarily. And I promise you, it won't stay buried.
What Escape Actually Costs You
We destroy our physical health with behaviors we know are harmful because they feel good in the moment.
We zone out with mindless activities because we're emotionally exhausted and desperate to disconnect.
We rack up credit card debt buying happiness in boxes. We eat out constantly because we're too tired to cook. We gamble for a momentary thrill and dream of the big win.
Then we stress about money. About our health. About how out of control everything feels.
We do all this trying to find something external to heal us and fill the void inside.
That never works. The healing has to come from within. You have to face what you're running from.
Balance vs. Escape
I'm not saying never escape. Life requires balance. I enjoy wine and dinners out. I've lost entire Saturdays to Netflix binges. Don't even get me started on my impulse clothing and book purchases over the years.
The difference is intention and awareness.
When a glass of wine a couple nights a week becomes a bottle every night, you've crossed a line. When you're thousands of dollars in credit card debt from things you don't need, your life is out of balance.
Know Your Pattern
We all have go-to behaviors when stressed. Do you know yours?
Try this: Track your time and money for one week. Write it down daily, if you wait until the end of the week, you'll lie to yourself. Most people underestimate their screen time by half.
Look at each activity and ask:
What need is this fulfilling?
What are the long-term consequences?
Example: You hit the drive-through three times last week because you were too tired to cook. But add up the actual time: driving there, waiting in line, getting home. It probably took longer than making a quick meal. Plus it's expensive and usually unhealthy. The long-term cost, your finances and health suffer, creating more stress.
Make One Change
Look at your list and choose one thing to change. Just one.
If you try to fix everything at once, you'll become overwhelmed and quit. If you pick something you don't actually care about, you won't stick with it.
Focus on what matters to you. Plan quick meals you enjoy. Set a boundary such as drive-through once a week instead of three times. Make it realistic and specific.
Be kind to yourself in this process. This isn't about guilt or beating yourself up. It's about awareness. It's about balance, not perfection.
You don't have to eliminate these activities entirely. You just need to stop letting them run your life.