Stress eating plays a role in many people's battles with weight management. Fortunately, there are ways to cope with stress without overeating. Here are a few ideas...Do something just for you.

About stress

The Center for Disease has made a new online center on dealing with stress since the occurrence of the pandemic. They explain that stress can interfere with sleep, chronic conditions, eating and appetite, mental outlook, and mood.

The National Institute of Health defines stress as “The physical or mental response to an external cause, such as having a lot of homework or an illness. A stressor may be a one-time or short-term occurrence, or it can repeatedly happen over a long time.”

Here are a few of the CDC’s suggestions for coping with stress:

• Self-care with diet and exercise. Eat a heart-healthy DASH-style diet and move more each day.

• Get enough sleep each day.

• Stop watching the news.

• Connect with others.

• Limit alcohol and avoid drug use of any kind.

• Avoid smoking or the use of tobacco.

• Find more activities that you enjoy.

Here are some fun ideas for activities that can bring more enjoyment and better health:

• Learn how to do progressive deep relaxation. This involves two steps. Step one is to tense up muscle groups and then relax them.

• Make a commitment to exercise 3-5 times each week. Find a partner to exercise with and keep you motivated. There is something for everyone, from health clubs to meetup groups to online classes.

• Take a class or learn a new hobby. This can also bring more social connection when you seek others to share it with.

• Take a couple of laps around the block before or after dinner.

• Work in your garden.

• Buy some new cookbooks so you can learn to cook more meals.

• Visit an outdoor farmer’s market in good weather. The exercise and fruits and veggies will bring a valuable experience to you and your health each week.

Download a handout on stress eating.