Eating Disorders and the holidays!

We all know the holidays are tough.  Yes they can be fun and filled with magic and the sense of new and fresh starts. However, they are also filled with high intensity emotions and stress.  What gifts are the best? Am I going to be able to afford all the expenses of this time of year?  etc...  Research has actually shown that the holidays are indeed times of higher stress for over 1/3 of us WITHOUT eating disorders. Now, add on an eating disorder and the challenges are compounded.  There's excessive amounts of food and lots of pressure to act and look perfect.  This can lead to very high intensity emotions for people with eating disorders. Self-care is absolutely KEY in creating a healthy balance during this time.  Here are my top tips for managing eating disorders in the holiday season! And click here to see Spectrum News 13 interview clip I did recently on EDs and the holidays!

1. ask for help - don't do it all yourself, whether it be cooking, cleaning, gift purchases, etc. No one is wonder woman and everyone needs help!
2. make sure you have a strong support system in place - make sure your support system knows about your eating disorder and how to support you during this time. Mind reading DOES NOT WORK!
3. Plan your day in the same way as any other - don't skip meals, or overexercise - this day is like any other day. If you have a meal plan, follow it!  Make sure you have a structured day so you know what to expect and how you will meet your needs.
4. Practice self-care - self-care is MORE important (not less) during this time of stress. Make yourself a priority and stick to it!  It only takes a minute to take some deep breaths.
5. Cut out the stress - if being around certain people, triggers or comments is not healthy for you and pushes relapse, then just say no or have a plan B escape plan. It's not worth your recovery!