How to handle unhealthy holiday temptations

On that quest to care for body, mind, and spirit and maintain good health? While enjoyable and exciting, holiday festivities can hamper progress. According to Eating Disorders Anonymous, people with eating disorders fare better when prepared to handle the stress of the season. Here are several tips on how to think preventive, maintain balance, and stay on track while still enjoying relationships and holidays: 

1. Use positive self-talk in situations that produce anxiety. Positive statements include, "I can say no if I do not feel comfortable saying yes," "I feel confident that I can handle this situation," "I am honoring my body, mind, and spirit when I make the right choices," " I desire to ease my tension and continue on with progress."  
2. Advance planning helps to stick with the plan and progress. Consider motives for swaying from plan, and if it involves pleasing others understand how much more important progress and/or recovery is than potential hurt feelings.
3. Phone a friend. When overwhelmed or discouraged, seek support to redirect your thoughts and emotions back to goals in order to avoid relapse.
4. Eat regular healthy meals and exercise regularly as much as possible in order to face social challenges and maintain focus.
5. Do not get coerced into attending high stress events when it mainly benefits others. Let your no mean no. 
6. Care for yourself especially during stressful times. Schedule time daily to workout, pray and meditate, read, and engage in activities that promote your positive lifestyle plan with supportive friends and family.

Holidays are fun and exciting yet offer challenges for those who seek to stay dedicated to a healthy lifestyle. Take the stress out of circumstances by thinking preventive and enjoy the season!

More healthy lifestyle reading: 

Healthy mashed sweet potatoes and apple walnut stuffing

How to promote healthy behavior changes

Happiness and health research

Resources:

http://www.eatingdisordersanonymous.org

All Health and Happiness Examiner articles, photographs, and artwork © 2009-2010 by Gabriella D. Filippi. Reprints granted with written permission. All rights reserved.