SOMA Living November 2022

DON’T TRUST THE MIRROR

Maureen Kritzer-Lange, MSW, LCSW How did it get to be “Food Season” already? Weren’t we just hanging out on the beach?Are you anxious already about the upcoming holidays? Does the thought of the holidays approaching bring up feelings of excitement about celebrating with family and friends? Are you starting to plan your holiday menu, savoring those delicious dishes, and preparing for those wonderful food aromas taking over your house? Unfortunately, my patients worry about the stress of planning menus, overeating, food hangovers, gaining weight, and the change in routine. The holidays also bring up social anxiety about spending time with friends and family. How can you focus on enjoying the wonderful tastes and pleasure from your holiday meals rather than the negative thoughts about weight gain, calories and hating yourself for overeating. Some of the coping strategies that help my patients shift their negative thoughts are meditation, journaling, focusing on gratitude, the love of family and friends and being able to offer support and care to others less fortunate or struggling. It can be refreshing to go outside for a walk, breathe and focus on the nurturing beauty of nature. Here are some Don’t Trust The Mirror coping tips for the “Food Season” 1. Plan ahead and be mindful about what you want to eat. Never go to a holiday meal or event starving. 2. Remember that overeating at times can be “normal” eating. Learn to trust your body to regulate itself over time. 3. Slow down. Be mindful of tasting the food and enjoying the flavors. 4. Focus on the people you’re with and enjoy the conversation. 5. Don’t make the food the focus of your holiday events. Remember that food is only one slice of the pie! Enjoy the fun and festivities of this holiday season.

973-313-1691 maureen@donttrustthemirror.com www.donttrusthemirror.com

A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO PHYSICAL THERAPY Specializing in pelvic health and wellness

Pre-natal and Post-partum Care Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Pelvic Pain Urinary Symptoms Bowel Issues Orthopedic Issues related to Pelvic Health

Maureen Kritzer-Lange, MSW, LCSW Long time Maplewood resident. Listen to her podcast at HTTPS://RB.GY/BLOOHZ

318 Main Street, Suite 200A | Millburn, NJ 07041 973.671.5855 | Book Online: 5pointpt.com

NOVEMBER 2022 | SOMA LIVING 27

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