I have never experienced the “Escape Room” adventure but my children, a number of my patients and Serotonin-Plus Team members have. People pony up $25 bucks or so to join their friends/colleagues/relatives in a scenario where they need to work together to piece together and solvethe clues as to how to “escape” the room they have been locked in. Different strokes for different folks, but this ain’t my idea of a great time. However, given the proliferation of these Escape Rooms, I suppose I am in the minority as lots of people find this adventure to be a very fun one.
As my mind always seems to drift to analogies in the weight control arena, I started thinking about the concept of “escape”. Poor long term weight control leads to lots of “things” that people would love to “escape” from:
- Taking medications for weight-related co-morbidities
- Having low energy levels
- Experiencing chronic pain
- Poor sleep patterns
- Low self-esteem
- Not being able to fit into the stylish clothes
- Looking older than the actual age
- Having the fear of developing life-threatening diseases
How to “escape” from this “room”? The solution is to stay focused and steadfast in your weight control efforts. Similar to the adventurous Escape Rooms, it is much more fun and easier when you have other people that are with you. Working off of each other’s ideas, thoughts, support etc. will enhance the likelihood that “escape” will occur for all. Reach out to other people in your sphere that are trying to control weight and join each other on the “escape”.
Similar to the adventurous Escape Rooms where there is a clock “ticking” and time is of the essence, “escaping” from the problems generated by poor weight control also has time constraints. Find your inner “Houdini” and make the escape happen!