Guidelines for Social Gatherings
Holidays can be a time of joy and celebration, a time for family, friends and food. Holiday gatherings seem to bring people together. Yet for those of us struggling with food addiction, body image or emotional eating, these same gatherings can cause us to feel like we’re falling apart.
Family and food can be triggers, as can the messages that surround the holidays, which are often unhelpful, even provocative. (This counter-productive messaging is also common with weddings, family reunions, and other social events.)
Some of the most turbulent times in recovery occur during the holiday season — a mass-cultural phenomenon of overindulgence, disregard for seasonal health, and splurging with plans for atonement, a.k.a. binge now, diet later.
I have put together these guidelines to help you:
- Create a plan for self-care
- Check in with yourself and your needs before and during events
- Prevent situations where blood sugar and cravings take control
- Set and keep personal boundaries
- Maintain your health and well-being through the challenges of the holidays
This guide is designed so you can commit to yourself now, during the holidays, and not wait for New Year’s Day to care for yourself wisely and well.