We all know the obvious addictions – alcohol, opioids, gambling. But, what about the ones hiding in plain sight? The late night Netflix binges that leave us wired and sleepless. The “just one more click” online shopping spree. The pint of ice cream that vanishes between dinner and the dishwasher.
If you’ve ever thought, Why do I keep doing this when I know it’s not helping?, you’re not alone – and you’re not broken.
Addiction isn’t just about substances. It’s about compulsions that take over, slowly replacing intention with habit and self care with self soothing. Whether it’s food, tech, shopping or even productivity, we often use these behaviors to avoid stress, numb discomfort or simply escape for a moment.
The Everyday Addictions No One Talks About
Modern women carry a heavy mental load. We show up for everyone – kids, partners, parents, clients – but often forget ourselves in the process. That’s where the sneaky comforts sneak in.
- Streaming: That “one more episode” spiral can steal sleep, rest and quality time. What started as a way to unwind becomes a nightly ritual of avoidance.
- Shopping: The thrill of adding to cart is real – but if your porch has become your therapist, it’s worth asking why.
- Food: Reaching for snacks when you’re not hungry? That’s not about fuel. It’s often a way to soothe, distract or avoid.
Ask Yourself: Do I Have It, or Does It Have Me?
Here’s a simple self check: Could I go 30 days without this behavior? Not as a punishment, but as an experiment. If the thought of skipping your nightly TV, online scroll or nightly snack brings up anxiety, frustration or dread – that’s valuable information.
It’s not about guilt. It’s about awareness. What role is this behavior playing in your life? Is it bringing relief? Reassurance? A false sense of control?
These aren’t bad things to want. The trouble comes when our go-to comforts start to quietly run the show.
It’s Not About Cutting Things Out Forever
You don’t need to swear off TV or delete your Amazon account. The goal isn’t restriction – it’s resilience.
That means building the capacity to sit with discomfort without immediately numbing out. Feeling restless and not reaching for your phone. Feeling stressed and not raiding the pantry. It’s not easy, but it’s powerful.
When we increase our tolerance for tough emotions, we also increase our capacity for joy, clarity and real connection.
A Simple Daily Practice to Regain Control
Try this Emotional Weather Forecast – a five-minute morning routine that helps you stay grounded and intentional:
- Gratitude: Name 2–3 things for which you’re truly thankful – include at least one challenge you’re learning from.
- Plan for the Day: Mentally walk through your schedule and responsibilities.
- Emotional Check-In: Ask, “How am I feeling right now?” (e.g., tired, anxious, calm, frustrated).
- Watch For: What are your personal patterns? Maybe it’s irritation during carpool, reaching for snacks during work stress or zoning out on your phone before bed.
- Strive For: Choose 1–2 ways you want to be today. Patient? Focused? Lighthearted?
This isn’t about being perfect. It’s about setting yourself up with self awareness, so you’re not caught off guard when old patterns try to sneak back in.
You’re Not Addicted – You’re Coping
And, that’s human. You’re not a failure because you find comfort in cookies, scrolls or serial dramas. These are tools you’ve reached for to get through tough days.
The real magic happens when you pause and ask: What am I really needing right now? Connection? Rest? Validation? Escape?
When you can answer that question with honesty – and give yourself what you truly need – everything starts to shift.
Because true freedom doesn’t mean you never indulge. It means you choose when, why and how.
