Holiday Stress

I love the holidays but they can be extremely stressful. I don't know about you, but stress for me equals more food. I tend to eat more when I have more things to worry about. So, in order to help you deal with some of the holiday stress (and hopefully cut down on the stress related eating), here are a few tips:

• Plan your meals as best you can. Try to make double batches of things and freeze. Having something already made to pop in the oven after a busy day of shopping or other holiday errands will help you stay on the right track.
• Make a list and delegate holiday tasks. This is easier said than done for control freaks like myself, but it can help reduce your stress if you aren't having to do EVERYTHING for the holidays. Give the kids something to do too - they like getting involved.
• Try to keep your routines (sleeping and eating) as close to normal as possible. We've already discussed how lack of sleep can make you hungrier - don't pile that on top your other stress!
• Be sure to make time to enjoy the things you love about the holidays. Go see lights! Go shop! But don't get lost in the 'To Do' list and forget about the reason for holiday.
• Take some time for yourself during the holidays - 5 minutes everyday, if you can, to just relax.
• Last but not least, forget perfection. Nothing is perfect. Chances are, you will have a few fiascos or meltdowns over the next few weeks. Do not expect everything to run smoothly or to look perfect. Roll with the punches.

Bottom line is, do your best to avoid the stress and to enjoy the holidays. It will be easier to avoid the overeating if stress doesn't add to the temptation.