Eating Disorders and the Holidays
The holidays are a time when many indulge in all their favorite comfort meals, beverages, and festive sweets. However, if you are struggling with an eating disorder, the holidays can mean facing potential triggers, anxieties, and challenges around food. Instead of feeling excitement and anticipation, an eating disorder can leave you riddled with fear, constantly evaluating how much you consume compared to others. This season can magnify your inner struggles and make it difficult to ignore unsettling thoughts and feelings. In this blog post, we will discuss ways you can cope with an eating disorder and prioritize your physical and psychological health this holiday season.
4 Tips to Manage an Eating Disorder this Holiday Season:
01 Schedule Check-Ins
Plan ahead and schedule regular check-ins with an eating disorder specialist, therapist, or doctor. Creating a plan of action can help you feel more safe and secure if anxiety-provoking circumstances do arise. When it comes to managing your physical and mental health, it is best to be proactive, rathern reactive. A professional can help you work through any distressing thoughts or feelings that may come up.
02 Set Healthy Boundaries
Pick and choose what events you want to attend, and ensure you are not overwhelming yourself with unwanted social gatherings. Ask the people in your life to avoid food and body-related comments. Know that you can redirect the conversation or remove yourself from the situation if triggering topics do come up. During this season, make it a priority to put your well-being above all else, even if it means having those uncomfortable conversations with loved ones. Setting boundaries is key to advocating for yourself, and it is more than likely that your friends and family will respect them.
03 Exercise Self Compassion
Be kind to yourself. Coping with disordered eating is hard enough, and it can be especially easy to criticize yourself during festive, food-centered gatherings. Remember that trying your best is enough, and recovery is not a linear journey. There will be many ups and downs but it is important to give yourself grace and attempt to limit negative self-talk. Try coming up with a list of affirmations to repeat to yourself when you feel your inner self-critic come out.
04 Lean on your Support Systems
If you feel comfortable, let your loved ones know you are struggling. Designate a trusted person to accompany you to events. This way, you can feel at ease knowing you can step out, take a breather, and talk out your emotions if necessary. The more communicative you are, the more others can understand what you are going through and meet you wherever you are in your journey. Leaning on others will help you feel supported through the process and less isolated this holiday season.
Whether you are in recovery or currently struggling with an eating disorder, the holidays can bring up negative and uncomfortable emotions around eating. You do not have to confront these feelings alone. Effectively managing your condition, setting boundaries, and getting the support you need can help you feel more in control and at peace with yourself during this time.