We’ve all been there-feeling overwhelmed by work, life, or emotions, and suddenly reaching for a snack, even when we’re not hungry. It’s called stress eating, and while it might seem like a harmless way to cope, there’s a lot more happening in our brains and bodies than we might realize.

When we experience stress, our body triggers the "fight or flight" response, releasing hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones prepare us to handle immediate danger by increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and glucose levels. But when the stress is prolonged and not tied to actual physical danger, the body doesn’t know how to turn off this heightened state. Enter cortisol-a stress hormone that can wreak havoc on our eating habits.

Cortisol has a direct impact on our appetite. When it rises, it triggers cravings for high-fat, high-sugar comfort foods. This isn’t a coincidence-our brains are wired to seek out foods that provide quick energy to deal with stress, even if modern stressors (like deadlines or relationship issues) don’t require physical exertion. Foods rich in sugar and fat also trigger the release of dopamine, the "feel-good" neurotransmitter, providing a temporary sense of relief from stress. It’s like a quick mental escape, even though the relief is short-lived.

But why do we turn to food in particular? Part of it has to do with conditioning. For many, food is tied to emotional comfort from childhood. It’s used as a way to cope with negative emotions or as a reward. Over time, our brains learn to associate eating with stress relief.

While indulging in comfort food may seem like an easy fix, it’s a temporary solution. It’s important to find healthier ways to cope with stress, like exercise, mindfulness, or simply talking things out. Stress eating can become a cycle, so recognizing the pattern is the first step toward breaking it.