Nothing undermines willpower and self-control like the stresses of everyday living.1 The more stressed we generally feel, the more likely we are to overeat, overspend, and do the many other things we regret shortly thereafter. Anything that causes stress, whether mental or physical, drains our supply of willpower and reduces our capacity for self-control. And anything we can do to reduce stress in our lives and improve mood improves our self-control. How do most people try to cope with stress, though? What do they routinely turn to for consolation? Food, alcohol, video games, television,
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