WVU Wellness &
Nutrition Intiative

Many people ?behave well? during their routine of classes and work. When you get home at night, there is plenty of time to do damage to your diet plans. Some use eating as an activity to 1) have something to do, 2) help to de-stress (some find the repetitive motion of eating to be relaxing), or 3) just feel good because they ?deserve? it. This whole willpower strategy is not useful, particularly if you are only dieting and not exercising. Practicing relaxation techniques- maybe in the car before entering home- can help you to relax and remember your goals before you turn to food. A quick and easy relaxation technique is deep breathing. It is recommended to do an 8-count breath (for most people) inhaling for a count of 8 very slowly, then fully exhaling. Repeat for about 5 times or until you feel relaxed.