Thanksgiving is tomorrow in the U.S., and I want to take advantage of the holiday to talk about post-event collapse syndrome, or PECS. The holiday may be tomorrow, but the day after that is coming on its heels, and that’s the day I want to focus on: the day, the week, or even the month after a holiday or big event.

We realize here at Bright Line Eating that the number of our members who break their lines the day after Thanksgiving is greater than the number who do on the holiday. Why would that be? Turns out that because of PECS, it’s the day after a holiday that causes people to give in to food.

Let’s break down the name. “Post-event” refers to the time period after any event. If it’s your wedding, for example, it could be the month after. It can last a while. The time period scales to meet the size and impact of the event.

The event can be anything, including travel. In that case, we’re talking about the time period after you get home, which we call “re-entry.” It can be intense, involving settling in, doing laundry, unpacking, refilling your fridge, and lots more. PECS can hit after any life event—anything stressful.

What do we mean by “collapse”? We are referring to the collapse of our resources, our fortitude, and our willpower—our willingness to work our program. Collapse is a state of depletion in the brain after a period of intense willpower exertion and vigilance. Our circuits are depleted, and we have less gas in the tank to meet the next challenge. This leaves us vulnerable.

And by “syndrome” we mean it’s an expected, universal thing, and nothing to be ashamed of. It’s common. It hits everyone.

The number one thing regarding PECS is to just be aware that it exists so you can be prepared. If you know in advance that the day after Thanksgiving is likely to be hard, you won’t let your guard down.

You can prepare for this. That may mean, first of all, giving yourself some spaciousness. So, for example, if you’re at a family event and you’re an introvert, this might mean saying no, thank you to the day-after shopping trip with 16 of your closest cousins. Take the day off instead and take a bubble bath.

Another way you can be ready is to do some food prep. I would strongly suggest that the day after an event you default to the most steady, safe, predictable, delicious food on your food plan. For example, a lot of us have a standard breakfast that’s a favorite option—like that comfortable t-shirt or jeans. Have a day of meals that meet that criterion. Go to a meal that doesn’t light up your brain, and avoid those sexy leftovers in the fridge.

You might also have a few Bright Line Eating friends lined up for calls the day after Thanksgiving. See how their day was and how they’re doing today. Or maybe your Study Buddy Group or Mastermind Group could have a Zoom meet-up.

Think about ways you can support, nourish, fortify and replenish yourself after Thanksgiving. Make it quality Me Time. PECS is real. And once you know, you are empowered and can plan ahead.

So have a beautiful, Bright holiday, and a Bright day or two after, and I’ll see you next week.