Better yet get rid of them.
Let me explain...
I'm currently reading the book Range by David Epstein. The premise of the book is that over specialization- in sports, business, and science among other things- leads to a "can't see the forest for the trees" situation.
Epstein argues that generalists fare better in most situations and that the advice we are given to hone in on any one thing is bad advice.
Anyway Epstein gives a bunch of examples (like a lot of examples, it's kind of repetitive) of times when generalizing did and could've saved the day. One of the examples really stuck with me though.
The example had to do with fire fighters, particularly smokejumpers- guys who jump from planes to fight woodland wildfires. These people are taught to never drop their tools. It's ingrained in them. To the point that when they are killed in wildfires and their bodies are examined they are almost always still holding their tools.
We're talking about axes and chainsaws and heavy ropes. We're talking about an extra 40-50 pounds of weight. Weight that if it was unloaded would've allowed these men (traditionally there weren't many women smokejumpers) to run to their safety faster.
A psychologist realized this and explained it to smokejumper higher ups. Higher ups began telling smokejumpers to drop their tools when retreating.
Problem solved right? Wrong. Smokejumper bodies are still found with tools in hand.
Epstein posits that for smokejumpers their tools are a part of their identity. He says that asking them to drop their chainsaw is like asking them to leave their arm.
Especially in stressful situations....like fighting a wildfire. These men have been taught that their tools save lives, including their own.
Ok, why am I telling you this?
While the situation may not (seem to be) as dire, substitute smokejumper for you and instead of axes & chainsaws put in food & alcohol (or whatever your go to vices are).
How many times have you come home from a terrible day and taken out the oreos and a bottle of wine and went to town?
You know the salad and the grilled chicken would've been the better choice. There's no denying that. The Oreos and wine are your tools though. They've served the same purpose for you that the smokejumper's ax has served him.
So the next time you find yourself inhaling a pint of Ben & Jerry's (my personal favorite vice) after a super stressful day, don't worry you're just like the rest of us.
That being said...it's would be silly and dangerous to tell a smokejumper to go into a fire without their tools. You on the other hand though, your go to tools aren't necessary for your everyday life. So why do you even have them?
Get rid of them. Get rid of them now while you're thinking straight and you're not stressed. Then when you do get stressed, you figure out a better way to deal.
