How can I replace negative coping mechanisms (binge eating/drinking, video games, fast food) with positive ones (exercise)? How did you start exercising regularly?

TL;DR: Cope with stress negatively (food, booze, games) and need to somehow start exercising to replace negative coping mechanisms. How do I start? (Also have $1200 for this)

​

Current Stats

Sex: Male

Age: 31

Weight: ~360lbs

Height: 6'

​

The Scenario

Currently, my work and home life are very stressful. It will probably get better in a couple months, but it's very rough right now and life never tends to be stress-free. I also suffer from anxiety and depression, both of which I am on medication for.

For the past ~15 years I have developed terrible ways to cope with stress. Moving out and college led to shitty eating and lots of alcohol. Now I eat fast food for probably half my meals each week. After dinner, watch Netflix/play video games until bed. The whole week I look forward to Friday when I get into the booze and usually drink until heavily intoxicated. Don't need to feel stress/bad feelings when I'm drunk. Saturday is a write-off - mostly sleeping and eating shit food. Sunday sometimes I do something productive but more often than not it's mostly taken up by video games. Rinse and repeat.

To cope with negative feelings and stress, I turn to alcohol, video games, fast food, soda, ice cream and Netflix. They feel good in the moment and then like shit after.

​

The Fix

Some people cope with stress by making art, exercising, meditating, and other things. I would like to try to get rid of or reduce some of these addictions, and replace it with a healthy coping mechanism - exercise. In the past I have had some success with the gym, but I struggle to just go by myself and do a workout.

I have approx $1200 I can use towards things like workout equipment, clothes, fitness, gym, wearables, etc.

What should I spend this money on and how can I help to make it easier to build this habit?

What have you had success with when you were struggling to get disciplined? Personal trainer? Gym with classes? Apple Watch? Treadmill for your home?

I need to switch my shitty coping mechanisms/escapism into something that is healthier. It will not only help me cope with stress, but also eat better and drink less.

Note: I am looking into once again seeing a psychologist to work through some of this and may ask my doctor to modify my meds.

submitted by /u/Malownage
[link] [comments]

source https://www.reddit.com/r/loseit/comments/es5nqv/how_can_i_replace_negative_coping_mechanisms/