I know, cooking.
I have found that when I get stressed, I tend to get some anxiety, and when I get anxious, I lose my appetite. Fast. And thoroughly. I also have a fast metabolism and lose weight easily, so once I miss a meal, it can make me feel off for a few days, which further stresses me out and downward spiral here we come.
Recently, however, I have discovered the joy of cooking. It really is a joy. All of my past and present roommates could tell you that I am an expert noodle boiler. Noodles and a bit of butter with some green olives and maybe a slice or two of cheddar cheese is as much effort as I usually put in to a meal. This year, though, I've discovered this amazing blog, the Smitten Kitchen, that has fantastic recipes. Not a single one that I've made has gone wrong. I've also discovered a bit of joy in cooking- it only takes maybe 30 minutes to make a pretty good-tasting meal, (unless its risotto) and once it's finished you always have a nice sense of accomplishment. It's relaxing. And it can be artistic- leave out an ingredient here, add one there- you control the outcome.
Also, putting so much effort into make a good-tasting meal encourages me to eat, even when I have no appetite. The cooking relaxes me, and by the time the food is ready, I am so curious as to what I've made that I can't help but taste it. When anxious, meals were just something to get through, but now, by facing my fear of no appetite and losing weight by making a delicious meal, I have realized I can conquer this aspect of my anxiety too.
Although tonight I made a mysterious crock pot meal, and accidentally inhaled some boiling vinegar. I still have a headache. Oy. Learning pains.