For the month of September, we’re here to help you recommit to your fitness and your wellness routines with The Daily Commit. Every day, we’ll share a simple task on Instagram for you to complete to pay off toward a bigger win at the end of the month—a focused, refreshed body, mind and space.    

When things get stressful, one of the first things to be compromised in our everyday lives is our diet. We might stop listening to our body and what it needs, and instead reach for extra sugar, crave fast food or forget that veggies even exist. 

Stress eating isn’t something we should blame ourselves for; it’s simply our body’s way of coping with “perceived threat in our environment”, according to Cleveland Clinic.  

Learning how to manage this stress won’t only help manage your next meal, but also your metabolism, energy levels and day-to-day balance. With time and patience, you can learn to channel stress into something more productive and instead fuel your body mindfully with whole-food, nourishing meals. 

The most important thing to do is first ask yourself: Is this hunger? Or is this my body's response to stress? Ahead, P.volve trainer and Integrative Health Coach rounded up her favorite ways to prevent stress eating when times are really tough. Keep each in mind for moments when you need your mind to take control of your stomach.

Do some light movement. Go for a walk, put on your favorite song for a dance break, take a few minutes with your foam roller. No matter what you go with, any form of gentle movement will help ease your mind and distract yourself from whatever stress you’re experiencing.  

Practice self care. Instead of opening your fridge countless times, opt for something soothing like a face mask, bubble bath or a girls’ night in spa day with friends.  

Breathe. When stress hits, your breathing patterns are No. 1 thing to focus on. Take your time to breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth in counts of five. Or, get a little more guidance with a quick online mediation program. 

Get artsy. Art can be one of the most rewarding distractions during stressful times, so reach for your pencils, paint brushes and whatever else is calling your name.  

For more information on The Daily Commit and to be entered to win a free design consultation with Bright Architecture, see here.