This time of year is often stressful for many people. And that stress often leads to poor food choices, increased alcohol consumption, a lack of sleep (which exacerbates the food and alcohol consumption), and a lack of activities that soothe your soul.
I know it’s a hard habit to break; particularly when people are feeling threatened, stressed out, or tired. We seek comfort. Which means we turn to high calorie, low quality foods to feel good. People don’t dig into a salad when they’re anxious. They reach for the mac and cheese.
I’m going to challenge you this season. From now until the end of December, I want you to try to step away from the comfort foods when you’re feeling stress. Instead, try something not related to food for a half an hour.
A few options:
- Take a bubble bath
- Call or FaceTime with a good friend
- Pick up a book
- Go for a walk
- Make a healthy recip
- Get sweaty – work out!
- Have sex
- Clean (if it makes you happy)
- Take a 20 minute cat nap
- Journal
- Meditate
- Avoid social media
- Practice a hobby
- Go to the park with your kids
- Ask for help
- Watch a funny, light comedy on tv
Some of these are definitely easier than others to accomplish. I don’t like asking for help. But sometimes, that half an hour of alone time, or asking someone else to take on a task can mean the difference between a happy holiday season, or one that leaves you burnt out, cranky, and wanting it to be over as quickly as possible.
