GIVE YOURSELF THE GIFT OF BEING PRESENT THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
Struggling with an eating disorder impacts all areas of life including the ability to enjoy the holiday season. Holidays tend to be focused on food and spending time with others. This can seem threatening to the brain of someone with an eating disorder. This holiday season I want to gently challenge any of you who may be struggling. Consider asking yourself, “when I look back on this time in my life, what do I want to remember?” Is it focusing on what/how much you eat? Is it what you look like? Is it how you can avoid others and engage in rigid behaviors/rituals? If you exercised or not? Is it being stuck in your head and disconnected? I imagine the answer to those questions is NO. Try the following little tips:
- LET GO OF RULES: You may not be able to structure your day in accordance with the rules your eating disorder has created. Use this as an opportunity to break free of these rules and embrace flexibility. Give yourself full permission. If discomfort arises, take a deep breath and compassionately remind yourself “it’s okay that I feel this way.” The rules are not laws that you have to abide by and the first step to freedom is breaking the rules and recognizing life does not fall apart. Perhaps it even gets better.
- Be present. Eating disorders draw individuals into their head. Be in the moment. Notice the decor, the smells, the sounds. If you notice being pulled into your head, redirect your mind back to the present. (Maybe even redirect your mind back to present with your name on it...see what i did there?)
- Connect with those around you! It may be helpful to ask relatives or family friends about themselves. Hear stories. Play games. Sing songs. Laugh. Seek comfort in the family pet. These forms of connection allow you to be present and feel a kinship with those around you. Eating disorders are an illness of disconnection. Seek connection!!
Don’t forget to take deep breaths and take time for yourself as needed. Access your support system and utilize your coping strategies. You can do this.
