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Research—and plenty of anecdotal evidence—shows that people tend and in the winter months. We may never reach the glories of preparing for hibernation, but the impulse could be the same—a vestigial drive to store up calories in preparation for bitter winter. Or maybe it's just that we're stuck inside on cold and snowy days, surrounded by hearty soups and Christmas cookies.

One thing is certain: You don't need a reason to indulge. Life presents more challenges than ever, and stress eating is a way to cope. So whether it's part of soothing COVID-19 anxieties or dealing with the usual decrease in sunlight and outdoors time, consider a trip to your local patisserie, doughnut shop, or bakery to enjoy one of life's greatest pleasures: eating sugary, doughy, beautiful desserts. Â鶹ԭ´´ compiled a list of the highest rated dessert shops in Ottumwa on .