Each year we say the same thing, "It is going to be Different this Year!". However, it never is. Stress is one of those things that creeps in without our even realizing its presence. Between the pressure of decorating, gift buying, parties, cooking special items, sending cards, and family tension, Stress is like a member of the family.
Learning how to recognize and deal with Stress and its triggers takes time and a little practice. Many of us handle stress by eating foods that are not necessisarily good for us, such as Bags of Chips, Bags of Candy, Cakes, Cookies and more. Eating triggers are costly in the weight department as well as blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease. Knowing those eating triggers is very important. Do you know your eating triggers? Emotional eating and situational triggers are powerful but can be overcome. Be aware during the holidays!
Finding ways to avoid or minimize Stress during the holidays can be as easy as changing your schedule or a few old habits:
* Say "No" to a few of those many holiday parties that you always find boring. You don't have to attend every event. Choose the ones that mean the most to you.
* Use gift bags instead of gift wrap for easier gift giving. Gift cards are easy too.
* Use the local bakery or deli when you have to bring a dish to a holiday event. They do all the cooking and save you the mess along with the clean-up.
* Decorate for impact not amount. A few well placed holiday items, a change in pillows and arrangements can be an easy way to make a room look festive without filling it with tons of decorations.
* Plan your menu ahead of the day and cook a few of your favorite things. Freezing items and using the local deli or restaurant can eliminate some of the cooking stress.
* Purchase only those things you have planned to buy. Credit card purchases can lead to even more stress.
So have a fun and special holiday season th
is year. Make your family and friends the center of attention instead of the food and decorations. Memories are of people!
Learning how to recognize and deal with Stress and its triggers takes time and a little practice. Many of us handle stress by eating foods that are not necessisarily good for us, such as Bags of Chips, Bags of Candy, Cakes, Cookies and more. Eating triggers are costly in the weight department as well as blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease. Knowing those eating triggers is very important. Do you know your eating triggers? Emotional eating and situational triggers are powerful but can be overcome. Be aware during the holidays!
Finding ways to avoid or minimize Stress during the holidays can be as easy as changing your schedule or a few old habits:
* Say "No" to a few of those many holiday parties that you always find boring. You don't have to attend every event. Choose the ones that mean the most to you.
* Use gift bags instead of gift wrap for easier gift giving. Gift cards are easy too.
* Use the local bakery or deli when you have to bring a dish to a holiday event. They do all the cooking and save you the mess along with the clean-up.
* Decorate for impact not amount. A few well placed holiday items, a change in pillows and arrangements can be an easy way to make a room look festive without filling it with tons of decorations.
* Plan your menu ahead of the day and cook a few of your favorite things. Freezing items and using the local deli or restaurant can eliminate some of the cooking stress.
* Purchase only those things you have planned to buy. Credit card purchases can lead to even more stress.
So have a fun and special holiday season th
is year. Make your family and friends the center of attention instead of the food and decorations. Memories are of people! Stay well! Elise
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