Understanding overindulgence: Why do we do it and how to heal?
- neemandmoon
- Apr 16
- 3 min read
Updated: May 1
Reconnecting with balance in mind, body, and soul
Reconnecting with balance in mind, body, and soul
In today's fast-paced world, it's easy to find ourselves reaching for more—more comfort, more stimulation, more distraction. Yet in doing so, we often lose touch with our inner equilibrium. Overindulgence is a common and often misunderstood experience. It can show up in subtle ways, from reaching for an extra snack to avoid stress, to mindlessly scrolling through our phones to escape discomfort. While it may feel like a momentary balm, overindulgence often leads to imbalance, leaving us feeling depleted, disconnected, or overwhelmed.
But overindulgence is not a flaw. It's a signpost—an invitation to look within and gently uncover what we truly need. This blog explores the deeper causes of overindulgence and offers holistic practices to help you return to balance, reconnect with your body and emotions, and nourish your soul.
What Is Overindulgence?
Overindulgence happens when we move beyond what we truly need—physically, emotionally, or spiritually—in search of comfort, distraction, or escape. It's not limited to food or drink; it includes any behaviour we turn to for temporary relief, especially when it becomes a pattern. Whether it's binge-watching television, endlessly scrolling social media, or overextending ourselves socially, overindulgence often masks an unmet need or deeper discomfort.
At its core, overindulgence is not about the act itself, but the intention behind it and the impact it has on our overall wellbeing.
Why Do We Overindulge?
Emotional Root Causes:
Unresolved emotional wounds or trauma
Suppressing feelings like grief, anger, or loneliness
Using pleasure to cope with burnout or emotional emptiness
Struggles with self-worth, boundaries, or fear of rejection
Spiritual Root Causes:
A sense of disconnection from intuition, nature, or purpose
A longing to feel more whole or alive
Soul fatigue or lack of meaningful connection
Avoidance of stillness, reflection, or inner work
Mind & Body Triggers:
Chronic stress or overstimulation
Poor sleep, irregular blood sugar, or dehydration
Emotional fatigue from perfectionism or people-pleasing
Habits driven by dopamine: excessive sugar, phone use, or shopping
What Does Overindulgence Look Like?
Overindulgence often disguises itself as self-care, but instead of renewal, it can leave us feeling further away from ourselves. Common signs include:
Reaching for comfort food when stressed, rather than hungry
Hours of passive scrolling or online browsing without presence
Shopping or drinking to soothe emotional discomfort
Binge-watching shows to avoid silence or inner reflection
Over-scheduling to avoid solitude
Over-cleaning, obsessing over routines for a false sense of control
The key is to reflect on whether an action is nourishing or numbing. Ask yourself: does this replenish me, or does it simply distract me?
Holistic Practices to Support Balance
Mind:
Practise the pause: take three deep breaths before reacting to a craving or urge
Explore your emotional landscape through mindful journaling
Reconnect with your worth using mirror work and self-compassion
Shift from avoidance to inquiry by asking: "What am I truly feeling right now?"
Body:
Eat intuitively, checking in before and after meals
Support your body with grounding, whole foods like oats, leafy greens, nuts, and warm meals
Herbal teas such as lemon balm, rose, chamomile, oatstraw, and ginger can calm the nervous system
Move gently—try restorative yoga, stretching, walking, or free-form dancing
Soul:
Light a candle and sit quietly for 10 minutes each evening, allowing time for reflection
Engage in spiritual practices like smoke cleansing, moon journaling, or sound healing
Schedule time for non-productive joy—create without pressure or purpose
Ask your inner child: what do I need right now that feels truly nourishing?
Spiritual Insights
Overindulgence is not something to judge or shame—it’s an invitation to deepen your awareness. It whispers: “There’s a part of you longing for tenderness, connection, and presence.”
When you respond with compassion, you begin to see that what you truly need is not more stimulation, but deeper care.
Gentle Healing Suggestions
Begin your day with a simple, grounding morning routine free from screens
Set clear boundaries with energy-draining habits or commitments
Cultivate daily stillness through nature walks, breathwork, or silent reflection
Create intentional rituals around meals—pause, give thanks, and eat mindfully
Use essential oils like lavender, bergamot, frankincense, or ylang ylang to shift your energy
Keep a personal list of "true comforts"—the things that genuinely restore you from within
Affirmations for Balance
I meet my needs with love, not excess.
I am enough. I have enough.
I choose nourishment over numbing.
My presence is the most powerful gift I can give myself.
I honour my body, my emotions, and my soul with care.
Overindulgence is not a weakness—it’s a signal. With awareness, intention, and compassion, you can shift from coping to conscious nourishment. Your healing begins not by doing more, but by choosing what truly supports your wellbeing.
Let balance become your anchor. Reconnect with what restores you, and remember: your presence is more than enough.
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