#1 – Be a social anthropologist
There’s
nothing worse than feeling self-conscious over the holidays. You feel
as if you’ve got a giant spotlight on you and everyone is looking at
you, thinking critical thoughts about your weight, appearance or life
choices. Yuck.
The key is to switch the focus. Consider what YOU
think of other people, instead of imagining what they are thinking about
you.
When you’re observing others, you will be much less
self-conscious and feel better overall. And, when you feel good, you
won’t use food to escape, soothe or distract yourself.
#2 – Don’t “should” on yourself
If
you constantly say things like, “I shouldn’t have eaten that” or, “I
should exercise more” then you’re “shoulding” on yourself. You might
eat just to escape your own critical voice!
Instead, acknowledge
yourself for what you ARE doing. Say, “I’m proud that I realize why I
ate those Christmas cookies, instead of only focusing on the fact that I
ate them.”
Be curious, not critical. Ask yourself, “I wonder
what’s going on with me? Am I upset about something or anxious? What
would I say to a friend in the same situation?”
Being nice to yourself feels good. When you feel good, you won’t eat for comfort or distraction!
#3 – Toss the scale
How many mornings have you weighed yourself – and whatever that number is, it ruins your whole day?
The bathroom scale is not your friend. It does not know you and it cannot measure your value.
Do
not let a piece of metal and plastic have that much control over your
self esteem! Toss that scale in the trash, where it belongs. Or do
what I did in this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKbtHooceZI
Please comment on which of these tips resonates the most with you.
Wishing you a happy, healthy (and enjoyable) holiday season!!
