Managing Eating Disorders During the Summer
Posted on: June 5th, 2017
Many of us look forward to summertime. Relaxing with friends on the beach or by the pool, enjoying cookouts, wearing shorts, tank tops and bathing suits, but for those with eating disorders summer can be a real source of anxiety. It’s a time when body image issues often resurface and managing symptoms becomes more challenging. However, there’s no reason to hide away and wait for fall. The solution is to put a plan in place that will minimize anxiety and help you stay on track.
Acknowledge Stress – While you can’t eliminate stress from your life, you can control how you react to it. When you feel overwhelmed, frustrated, and stressed, try not to give in to negative thoughts and turn to destructive eating behaviors. Instead, accept the feelings and remind yourself that you’re doing the very best you can. Take heart in the fact that you’ve made good progress and that recovery is an on-going process.
Consider Putting Away the Camera – We all feel self conscious about our bodies from time-to-time, but those with eating disorders often suffer from negative body image. This goes beyond feeling self-conscious about the body and can progress to feelings of intense shame. It can even distort how you think others see you. When you have a negative body image, seeing yourself in photographs may increase your anxiety. Consider leaving your camera at home and keeping your smartphone in your bag; instead, turn your focus to the things that make you exceptional.
Stay Active – There are significant benefits, both physically and mentally, to non-compulsive exercise. For people with disordered eating the effects of exercise on self-esteem, depression, mood and body image can reduce the risk of negative eating behaviors. Keep in mind that extreme exercising is not necessary. Take a leisurely walk, go for a relaxed bike ride, do some gardening. It’s a perfect antidote to a negative mindset and an opportunity to feel your body’s movements and strength.
Remain Committed to Your Recovery Routine – For most of us summer is generally less structured. School is out or the job workload isn’t as heavy. Naturally, this can lead to relaxing our commitment to recovery. Anticipate this and recommit to recovery efforts. This might include keeping up with medical appointments, therapy sessions, nutrition counseling and writing meal plans ahead of time to limit your food decisions throughout the day.
Surround Yourself with Support – Research tells us that those with solid, reliable support recover more quickly from eating disorders and are less prone to relapses. Try to seek out nurturing friendships with people who support you and avoid toxic individuals who make you feel anxious which can trigger unhealthy eating behaviors.
Take a Vacation – Many people with eating disorders get anxious with the prospect of going on vacation. Concerns about lack of diet control and missing exercise can keep them anchored to home. Vacations are good for all of us. It’s a time to have new experiences and decompress from the everyday pressures of life. Go, enjoy the local food whatever it is. Take a break from the gym. And if you return with a few extra pounds, that’s perfectly normal — it’s what happens to all of us.
Try your best to put this plan in place and make this summer a great one.
If you’re struggling with eating and body image issues seek professional help immediately. Contact Maureen Kritzer-Lange Psychotherapy at 973-313-1691 or info@maureenkritzerlange.com.
Leave a Reply