Navigating the Holiday Season in Eating Disorder Recovery
The holiday season can be a joyful time, but it can also bring unique challenges for those in eating disorder recovery. The gatherings, the food-centered celebrations, and disruptions to routine can feel overwhelming and stressful. But with a few strategies in place, you can navigate the holidays in a way that supports your recovery. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
Cope Ahead – Think about your holiday gatherings, identify potential triggers, and make a plan for handling them. Planning ahead prevents you from being caught off guard by stressful situations and provides you with a solid strategy if challenges arise. Try to predict specific situations that might be stressful and map out how you will cope.
Commit to Your Self-Care Routine – During the holidays, routines are often thrown off. You might be staying with family or traveling, which can make sticking to your usual self-care harder. Create a self-care routine specific to your holiday schedule, even if it's something simple. Make sure to carve out time for yourself to decompress, check in with your emotions, and stay grounded.
Find Your Support Person – Identify someone you trust whom you can lean on if things get tough. Even if you don’t share every detail about your recovery, let them know this holiday may be challenging. Work together on a plan for how they can best support you, whether it’s a quick check-in during meals or a grounding conversation when things feel overwhelming.
Firm Up Your Boundaries – The holidays might call for holding firm to your boundaries, even if it means declining certain invitations or taking breaks during gatherings. Remember that saying “no” is a form of self-care, and setting these boundaries is an essential part of protecting your recovery journey.
Come Back to Gratitude – Although holidays, especially Thanksgiving, often center around food, try to remember the meaning behind the season. Focus on your values, the things you’re grateful for, or a spiritual practice that brings you peace. Coming back to gratitude can help ground you when you feel swept up in the stress of the holidays.
The holiday season doesn’t have to compromise your recovery. By planning ahead, staying connected to your self-care, and focusing on gratitude, you can approach the season with confidence and support. Remember, recovery is a journey, and each step you take to support yourself through these busy times is a success in itself.
