De-Stress without Using Food

If you are struggling to stay on the Paleo diet throughout the holidays, it is not just about 
what you can or can’t eat that might be the issue. Another thing to consider is that many 
people like to eat sweets (and a lot of non Paleo-friendly foods) when they are feeling 
stressed. With higher levels of stress during the holidays, this can create quite the 
problem.

What you need to do is find ways to de-stress without using food. Here are a few ideas.

Try Relaxing Activities

When you are dealing with high levels of stress, you need to get your body moving. You 
can start doing this by finding activities that provide some exercise, but nothing too 
intense. If you like high-impact exercise, that can be an option as well, but you don’t 
have to feel like you need a strenuous fitness routine just to ease up on your stress a 
little.

Something as simple as yoga and Pilates can be a huge help. Yoga is great both at 
home or in a class, not only helping to strengthen and tone your body, but teaching you 
gentle breathing exercises and meditation techniques.

Write in a Journal

Another great way to relieve stress during the holiday season is to write in a journal. 
This can help you not only to get your thoughts, worries, and fears out on paper, but it 
also provides a lot of clarity. This act alone is a wonderful therapeutic tool that allows 
you to see where your stress comes from, and find out a lot of hidden things about 
yourself that have never been highlighted before.

Mindfulness and Meditation

When you are getting cravings for food not allowed on the Paleo diet, take a few 
minutes to meditate and practice mindfulness first. This is often enough to reduce stress 
and prevent emotional eating, while it can also help you to get your head around what 
you are dealing with. Meditation can get you into a different mindset, where you are less 
concerned about food you think you need.

Mindfulness is more something that you do on a regular, consistent basis, and can also 
be a wonderful tool for helping to relieve stress naturally.

Practice Self-Care

Make sure you are getting enough time to yourself! This is crucial for relieving stress 
and helping you get the time you need away from other responsibilities. It can be as 
simple as going for a walk, spending quality time with someone, or just taking a hot bath 
in the evening before bed to relax.

