The holiday season can be joyful and stressful at the same time. There's so much to do, and being around family can sometimes be difficult. Being stressed puts us at risk for stress-based eating in an effort to cope. Here are some strategies you can use to reduce holiday stress this year:

• Focus on what you're grateful for.
• Practice deep breathing when feeling overwhelmed.
• Keep up your exercise routine.
• Remind yourself to do just one thing at a time.
• Be willing to say "no" to some events, tasks or requests. Sometimes this is the best way we can take care of ourselves.
• Reduce your expectations - aim for "good enough", not "perfect".
• If you're alone during the holidays, pamper yourself and find a way to help others who are less fortunate. This will help reduce loneliness.
• If your relationships with family members are strained, remember that over-indulging in your favorite holiday comfort foods is not going to change how they behave towards you.
• Create fun times for yourself. Having fun is a great way of reducing stress!

Lerner, D. Your Weight Matters Magazine. Fall 2015; pg 32-33.