If you are in recovery from an eating disorder, holidays such as Thanksgiving and Christmas can present endless triggers, causing you to relapse. One of the best things you can do is seek women’s eating disorder treatment during holidays. Eating disorder treatment offers various programs that help you stay on track and maintain your recovery goals without relapse.
In addition to treatment, there are other steps you can take to cope with an eating disorder during the holidays. Try to create a support system, establish healthy boundaries, shift your focus on your goals, and practice self-care. When you know your limits and take care of yourself, you are more likely to strengthen your resolve to overcome your disorder. To learn more about the benefits of treatment, reach out to Women’s Recovery today at 833.754.0554.
Eating Disorder During the Holidays: Practice Self-Care
If you want to stay grounded during the holidays, the first place to start is to take care of your physical and mental needs. Things you can do to cope with an eating disorder and promote wellness include:
- Focus on meeting your nutritional needs
- Get plenty of exercise
- Meditate or take part in other mindfulness practices
- Practice yoga or tai chi
These types of activities are essential in helping you practice self-care. Also, remember to be compassionate and gentle with yourself. Try not to pile on too much pressure as you practice relapse prevention.
Eating Disorder During the Holidays: Focus on Your Recovery Goals
Instead of spending all your time worrying about food, shift your focus to what you can do to maintain your recovery goals. Spend time engaging in activities that are positive, fun, and uplifting. Do things that keep your mind busy and off your eating disorder. One of the benefits of eating disorder treatment during holidays is that you can get involved in various recovery activities.
Another way to stay positive over the holidays is to volunteer. There are endless charities and community events that you can participate in between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve. Find out what is going on in your area and make it a point to help others this season. You may even be able to volunteer at your substance abuse treatment center.
Eating Disorder During the Holidays: Set Healthy Boundaries
Boundaries are limits that you set for yourself within relationships. They are rules you set to keep yourself in check as you navigate your daily life. These limitations are especially important during the holidays when temptations can be at their greatest. Discuss the idea during your individual or group therapy sessions if you need to set boundaries this holiday. Here are some tips for success :
- Identify and prioritize your needs
- Practice self-awareness to reinforce boundaries
- List and describe your limits
- Share your boundary needs with others
It’s also crucial to learn to say “no” when others do not respect your boundaries.
Cope With an Eating Disorder by Building Up Your Support System
Eating disorder and mental health treatment during holidays allow you to build a support system when you need it most. A support system is a list of people you can reach when you are most vulnerable. Your network may include a coach, mentor, pastor, family member, friend, therapist, support group member, or someone in an alumni program. Any of these people may be able to help you cope with an eating disorder during a time of crisis.
Make a list of all the people you can reach out to during the holidays if you feel like you’re about to relapse. Talk to them in advance to make sure they are available and willing to help when you need them. Keep the contact list easily accessible. For instance, add the list to your contact favorites on your phone, or post the names on your refrigerator.
Seek Women’s Eating Disorder Treatment at Women’s Recovery
If you are looking for eating disorder treatment during holidays, contact Women’s Recovery at 833.754.0554. We provide complete treatment for all types of disorders and mental health issues. We can help you get on the road to recovery so that you can enjoy your holidays this year.
