Stress Less -- holidays make women eat more, but you can stop it!

With all of the stress revolving around the holidays, overeating can become a problem as a way to escape all of the juggling of time, errands, gift buying, children's plays, parties ... and more and more.

There is so much going on in the month of December that it can lead many to almost break down. The weather is colder on much of the U.S. (read: no outside time for anyone), there is quite a few activities going on and lots of planning going on as well (both add to stress, yes?) and many of us are still trying to work full-time hours on top of all that.

In other words, the holidays can be called anything but relaxing for millions of American citizens. With the female part of the population handling the lion's share of the load with all these activities, it comes as no surprise then that juggling a full-time job, trying to find money and time to buy presents, organize parties and cook for family and friends can be a huge weight 0-- and can lead to overeating as an escape from all that.

There are also seemingly endless invitations to parties and dinners -- and that makes it even easier to overeat according to some. According to new data, nearly half of all women in the United States suffer from increased stress during the holidays, a condition that contributes to rising levels of comfort eating, drinking and other coping mechanisms that can lead to weight gain.

With all the stress this time of year, that is hardly a surprise. But what can be done to beat it? Diligent steps and a followed guideline can help -- as well as looking at stress during the holidays as something to be "navigated" instead of "eradicated". This simple list with good suggestions from Thresholds, Inc. here is a good starting point.