5 Tips for Surviving the Holidays in Recovery

Let’s be real, the holidays are stressful! Between the shopping, the decorating, and the constant family time, maintaining your recovery may be the last thing on your mind. This is often when the eating disorder tries to sneak back into your life, so check out our five tips for surviving the holidays in recovery!  

1. Self-care, self-care, self-care:

Did we mention self-care? While we can always get behind the stereotypical idea of self-care that looks like face masks and bath bombs, right now we want to focus on the idea of simply taking a few minutes each day to focus on you. Maybe this looks like driving separately to the holiday party so you can leave early if needed. And it might even be as simple as excusing yourself to step outside if you’re feeling overwhelmed at a family function. Take care of yourself and your body first.

2. Wear clothes you are comfortable in:

There was nothing worse as a kid than having to wear scratchy matching Christmas sweaters. And for someone who is recovering from an eating disorder, there is nothing worse than wearing clothes that you aren’t comfortable in. If you don’t feel like dressing up, don’t dress up! And if something doesn’t fit you, get rid of it. Forcing yourself to wear it will only make the body image gremlins worse. 

3.Set firm boundaries:

We’re sure you’re sick of hearing your therapist talk about boundaries, but the reason they keep harping on it isn’t to annoy you. It’s because boundaries are necessary for your survival! Some essential boundaries to set with family or friends over the holidays to protect your recovery is no talk around dieting or weight, and no appearance-related comments. The truth is these boundaries will actually benefit everyone, not just you! 

4. Focus on being present: 

Try to focus on whatever is happening in the here and now. Often our anxiety keeps us trapped in the past, thinking of all the things we should have done. Or it makes us catastrophize about the future. The more you’re able to truly be in the moment, the more likely you are to actually enjoy the holidays. 

5. Remember that this too shall pass:

It may pass like a kidney stone, but it will pass! The holiday season doesn’t last forever. Plus, the end of the holidays means the end of 2020! 

It’s okay this holiday season if you are just focused on recovering and surviving. Whatever the next few weeks may throw at you, we know you have what it takes to make it through.

Wishing y’all a joyous holiday! 

Are you thinking about starting therapy for your eating disorder? Learn more about our approach to eating disorder therapy here. Or you can message us for a free consultation using the button below.