Thanksgiving can be a stressful day filled with
uncomfortable conversations and triggering comments. This is a handy guide to all the web- based support for the holiday.
The holidays for those in recovery from an eating disorder can pose some challenges, not just relating to food, but also with relationship stressors and difficult feelings. With the goal to remain seeking recovery while also enjoying the holiday season, it is important to take time and think about what your intentions are for this time, as well as who you can reach out to if you are struggling. Remembering to eat regularly and within balance is also an important part of successfully navigating the holidays. Staying on track with eating can help in abstaining from behaviors. Finally, it is a good idea to talk with those who are a part of your treatment team so you can discuss your anticipations, concerns, and intentions in preparation for the holidays.
Having taken the time to prepare, you can set yourself up for success and further support your recovery. Although the holiday season can be stressful, there are far more opportunities to be present with loved ones and focus on living life to the fullest.
reposted from http://waldenliving.com/walden-living-blog/
Coping Skills:
- Find someone who can be supportive and create a plan. A code word, a meaningful look, or a squeeze to let them know you need support.
- Square Breathing (3 seconds breathe in- 3 seconds hold- 3 seconds breathe out- 3 seconds hold) can be done through your nose without anyone knowing you're using a coping skill
- Cleaning can be a great distraction, and is a helpful and common activity during holidays. If you are feeling anxious and don't know what to do, offer your services to the host.
- Be mindful, take a seat and notice your surroundings. Concentrate fully on one aspect, your breathing, the temperature of the room, the warmth of the fire. Explore your environment using your five senses.
- Think of safe topics to discuss, if you find yourself feeling uneasy strike up a simple conversation with someone to distract yourself
- Download a puzzle game on your smartphone. Playing this game can be very distracting, but also look like you are texting and not isolating.
Meal Plan Supports:
- Thanksgiving Meal Plan Exchanges from the blog RD4ED. Sarah Biskobing is a registered dietician currently working with clients with Eating Disorders, and this blog (complete with pictures!) is helpful to remind us how our meal can be met with different holiday foods.
- Holiday Meal Tips from an Eating Disorder blog written by a woman in recovery shares tips and advice that helped her through the difficult holiday.
Family Supports:
- 5 Tips for Thanksgiving is a short article to help both families and patients during Thanksgiving.
- Thanksgiving Do's and Don't's, written by the Cleveland Center for Eating disorders gives a clear list of what to do and what to avoid to help support loved ones in treatment.
-Disorder Recovery from CNN gives an education as well as support for families and patients to keep in mind during the holiday season.
Support:
- 10 Tips written by the Center for Eating Disorders, is a quick list to keep in mind.
- Mini- Survival Guide by Visions treatment center offers simple and positive messages for you to be mindful of.
- Health Holiday During Recovery is another post written by dietician Sarah Biskobing and extremely helpful!
Remember that Thanksgiving is one day to be aware of that which you are thankful for, and to show your gratitude. Take each high and low as an opportunity to be thankful.
Happy Thanksgivng,
Enjoy the day.
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