Rough time

When times get tough it shows the most how we cope with stress and painful emotions. Some drink, some eat too much (my vice), some smoke more than usual, others engage in hard sport activities, drive or ride a motorcycle for miles...you name it. I've been searching  for a useful creative outlet to my sadness, despair, anger and fear. I tried poetry, drawing, writing, meditation, walks with music on and off... They all help, but I've found that none of these is a default means to relieve stress from my body. Eating and sleeping is. And though I've over the years managed to cut my binging and emotional eating, as well as sleeping to a bare minimum of several days when something really bad happens, I still am a 40 years old overweight woman with insulin resistance, who should not in any circumstances stuff her face with chocolate. I wonder if I can make myself - in times of great stress, when my rational brain is overridden by primitive stress reactions - turn to those few calming and relaxing methods that I've mentioned earlier, one to help find creative outlet for all my fear and sadness and two not to harm myself and my body beyond what I already go through when times get rough.
Dealing with stress and painful emotions is a thing that most of us struggle with. It is not that easy to remain positive and optimistic in times of great anger or sorrow. Maybe that's it - the pesimist in me does not believe it all in general comes to good and just gives up. I try to strenghten my inner optimist. I want her back when all my body wants is to give up.