emotional eating

Why is Addiction Highest During the Holidays?

Dec 20, 2022 07:26 AM Central
Shawna Cale
addiction, coping mechanisms, emotional eating, Stress
2 Comments

What is an addiction?

An addiction is when one is physically or mentally dependent on a particular substance, thing, or activity. One cannot stop without adverse effects- withdrawal symptoms, physical or mental changes, cravings, and being dependent on it is causing some type of negative effect- spiritual, emotional, and/or physical.

top 10 addictions

1. Coffee

2. Sugar

3. Food

4. Tobacco and Nicotine

5. Alcohol

6. Illegal and Prescription Drugs

7. Sex

8. Gambling

9. Screens- TV, Internet, Social Media, Video Games

10. Work

Holiday Statistics?

The most common roots of addiction are chronic stress, trauma, and a family history of addiction. According to the Center for Disease Control, 80% of Americans report having more overwhelming stress during the holidays, over 25% of Americans report feeling more depressed, and 62% moderately anxious during the season. Both depression and anxiety directly contribute to increased addictive behaviors. Studies have shown alcohol alone to increase by 29% during the holidays and sugary treats and food become the focal point with an increase of 440 calories per day. Studies show that addictive behaviors started during the holiday season continue the first 3 months of the year - for example increase in calorie average goes up another 450 calories with a total increase of almost 900 calories compared to the July to November average.

What is a Coping Mechanism?

Difficult experiences from our past can leave an impact on the way we perceive and react today. In response to these stressful situations, we may have learned to behave in ways that “protect” us from pain. These are known as coping mechanisms and happen automatically through our Autonomic Nervous System- specifically the sympathetic side. Coping mechanisms are often helpful in the short term to lower stress - a cigarette, an alcoholic drink, or a piece of chocolate but can become unhealthy patterns that cause more stress, pain, and suffering (aka: addiction). Even though addiction is usually not good for us, we become attached to the coping mechanism as part of who we are and our own personal worldview and rarely see it as an addiction.

If you are struggling with an addiction, it’s important to know that recovery and healing are possible, and with it comes greater freedom, joy, and well-being.

Below I share resources to help you on your journey from addiction to freedom.

Addiction TedXTalk

Releasing Addiction with Peace & Calming Essential Oil Video
21-Day Journey Trauma to Safety

❤️Shawna Cale, PT, LCTI, CHHWC

Stress Expert

P.S. In January the theme of the Exceptional Holistic Health Masterclasses is Freedom From Emotional Eating and Addiction.*

*Become an Exceptional Holistic Health Member today by starting with the 21-Day Journey Trauma to Safety course and receive all January Masterclasses for FREE. Go here to learn more: https://shawnacale.com/21-day-journey

Meet Shawna Cale

HI! Have you ever felt like you were riding the hormonal/emotional rollercoaster and your body was betraying you? Yet, you were told you were “normal.”

Lying in a hospital bed — after my third miscarriage in a 10-year period, I decided normal was overrated. I knew something had to change — I had to change, but I didn’t know where to start.

Things got worse, all I could think about is how do I run away from my life — the God-given life that was everything I had ever dreamed of yet I felt miserable inside, and worse I felt shame and guilt for feeling the way I did.

Have you ever been helpless, desperate, searching for answers?

I took a leap of faith and asked for help.

I started making some changes and before I knew it, I was traveling down a whole new road — one that was leading me to holistic health — spiritually, emotionally, and physically.

If you’re curious about the changes, I made — the ones that led me to fewer headaches, cramps, back pain, and aching joints. Just ask. Or what helped me stop yelling and screaming at the kids and the hubby? I’m happy to share it.

Maybe you are looking to have less stress, feel better, and have more energy. I know I was. Really—Ask me! I am an open book. Literally, I wrote a book about my personal journey from normal to exceptional.

I am here for you! I know what it feels like to be all alone — an island amid a vast ocean. Life may not be easy — but we don’t have to make it so hard. Yes, there will be roadblocks (stressors) on the way, but there are solutions. That’s my superpower- finding solutions and empowering action!

It's time to live an exceptional life.

Come join our free Exceptional Holistic Health Community FB Group and have your cup filled with tips and tools to have the energy you have always desired to have so you can do the things you love to do and be the woman God created you to be. It's FREE.

❤️ Shawna

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