Check newspaper and community bulletins for events that you would like to attend, or in which you would like to participate over the holiday break. Keep in touch with trusted friends who are supportive. Limit your involvement with family or friend conflicts. You do not have to be a Peace Maker this holiday season. Plan and practice verbal responses to comments about weight and eating habits.
Role play possible uncomfortable scenarios with a trusted friend.
Plan and practice relaxation exercises that are portable to any situation. Rehearse humorous and creative ways to change the subject, and shift focus away from you and your eating habits. If a binge or purge episode occurs, do not punish yourself, but acknowledge that you are on your way to healthier eating and thinking patterns. Allow yourself to be flexible, while being healthy. Anticipate that you might feel stressed around the larger quantities and richness of food during the holidays.