Try these challenges for your eating disorder today
It can be difficult to know where to start challenging your eating disorder. Here are some step-by-step actions you can take at your own pace.
Challenge 1: Find Your Why
Finding your motivations for eating disorder recovery can act as your compass when things get tough.
- Write down your reasons. Take some time to reflect on the importance of recovery to you. How does it align with your long term goals and values?
- Visualize your future. Imagine your life in five years if you prioritize recovery. What would it look like?
- Keep it accessible. Store this recovery info in your notes app in your phone or somewhere else accessible so you can return to it when things get tough.
Challenge 2: Building Your Coping Skills Toolbox
Eating disorder behaviors often develop as coping mechanisms. One step towards decreasing EDBs is building up your inventory of additional coping skills.
- Explore coping skills: Consider working with a therapist or healthcare provider to find helpful coping strategies.
- Try new techniques: Here are some ideas to get you started: diaphragmatic breathing, butterfly tapping, progressive muscle relaxation, listening to music.
- Unconventional approaches: Don’t be afraid to think outside the box. Try watching ASMR, folding warm laundry, paint your nails, learn a new hobby, do math problems, Sudoku or crossword puzzles, and more.
It may take some time to figure out what works for you. Try practicing these skills while you are not actively distressed. It is easier to learn how to sail on a calm pond than the raging ocean.
Challenge 3: Increase Your Nourishment
Nourishing your body consistently and with ~enough~ food is important to work towards healing. Supporting your body and brain with enough energy will help your nervous system, digestive system, and overall wellbeing.
- Gradual increases: go at your own pace. I highly recommend getting professional support for this
- Resist the ‘all or nothing’ thinking – any kind of increase, no matter how small, is progress.
If you need support, I’d love to help!
This is my second blog post about challenges for your eating disorder, click the link to read more.
Disclaimer:
This post is intended for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. If you are struggling with an eating disorder, please seek help from a qualified healthcare provider. Take what works for you in this post, and leave the rest! You know your body and life best.
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