As you are already aware, there are many variables that play a role in how we all manage ourselves during the holiday season. Whether it is family, food or fun we are looking forward to, most of us find this time of the year to be a bit more stressful than usual.
We may be getting together with family members who we haven't spent much time with in the past year. Uncomfortable emotions may arise from simply being with certain people who arouse negative feelings. We may also resort back to our old habits when being around such people.
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No matter what the reason, learning to manage emotions is a must before the holidays come. In my personal and professional experience, I have realized there is nothing more effective than journaling. It may sound silly to some of you or mundane to others, but it's a worthwhile task to engage in to reduce your stress and enhance the holiday season.
In general, most people with weight issues have a tendency to eat their feelings away in an attempt to numb or escape them. It's common because most of us were brought up with the idea that if we had a boo-boo, we could have cookies and milk and the pain would suddenly disappear. Unfortunately, as adults it's not as easy to have our problems disappear -- and certainly not with cookies and milk! To the contrary!
Journaling can enhance our lives in several ways. I have listed the benefits of regular journaling below. Pay close attention and apply these to your lives. There's nothing more therapeutic or cleansing than letting it all out. Heck, it's cheaper than seeing a therapist!
Journaling allows you to:
- vent your feelings immediately.
- identify your feelings.
- express your feelings.
- process your feelings.
- clarify your feelings.
- be honest with yourself.
- gain instant relief.
- be safe (not worrying about being criticized by others who may not understand what you are going through).
- discharge strong feelings without placing a burden on others.
- engage in a diversion rather than using food as an escape from what's really eating you.
- reflect back on your coping skills and learn from the past.
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