The holidays are a fun and exciting time of year, but they can also be triggering and overwhelming. Often times, we tend to overeat and binge just to cope with stress and discomfort.
 
That’s why today I’m going to give you my top three tips to help you stay healthy during the holidays.
 
Tip #1: Stay present.
 
We get so caught up in our minds, which are constantly going, that we check out and are completely disconnected from our bodies.
 
When you’re with your family, at a holiday party, or attending a festive event, make sure you take a moment to check in with yourself. Ask yourself:
 
Am I present?
 
Am I connected to my body right now?
 
If you’re not present in the moment, take a deep breath and ground yourself. The simple act of breathing is an incredible relaxation system that we have access to 24/7. There is nothing that allows us to get into the moment quicker than breath.
 
And here’s the thing…
 
When you’re present, you can’t binge eat.
 
Tip #2: Are you really hungry?
 
When we’re feeling socially awkward, uncomfortable, or being triggered by family, we tend to try and avoid those sticky feelings by overeating or drinking.
 
What you really need to do in those moments is just allow yourself to feel your discomfort. Accept how you’re feeling, and sit with it.
 
When you allow yourself to acknowledge uncomfortable feelings in your body, it becomes easier to decipher emotional hunger cues vs. physical hunger cues.
 
Tip #3: Take some alone time.
 
It’s natural for us to pick up on other people’s feelings and energy when in a social situation, especially if you’re an empath, like me. That’s why it’s important to be in your own energy and your own space.
 
Be intentional in scheduling alone time during the holidays. Even if it’s just a few minutes, you can go for a walk, hide yourself away to journal, or meditate.
 
One of the most important things that I learned during my recovery is that everyone who triggers you is trying to teach you a lesson.
 
They don’t know that, but that is totally what’s going on.
 
If you get triggered or annoyed, rather than turning to food or drink, allow yourself to feel the pain and ask yourself…
 
What part of me needs to be loved right now?
 
Because if someone is triggering an emotional response in you, it means that there’s something in you that needs to be loved or healed.
 
So this holiday season, I encourage you to look for the lessons in any triggering or uncomfortable moments. Think of them as an opportunity for growth rather than a reason to numb out and binge eat.
 
Embrace the season.
 
Fill it with love, joy, presence, and connection.
 
You have everything it takes to create that experience for yourself.
 
If you’d like to view the video version of Healthy Eating Habits During the Holidays, click here.
 

Ps – If you're ready to take the next step and finally end your battle with food, you're ready for the Society. Click here to apply.