10/03/2016
Coping with the Holidays!
Healthy Tips for People Struggling with an
Eating Disorder during the Holidays
by Kim DiRe, LPC, Med, SEP (specializing in Family Therapy, Eating Disorders, Childhood Obesity and Trauma Healing)
Holidays can be the most triggering times for those struggling with an eating disorder. The holidays are often filled with anxiety and overwhelmed emotions from family and friend events centered around food.
Some helpful tips for people struggling with an eating disorders during the Holiday Season:
• Plan ahead-let family members know what words to say and what behaviour will be supportive before the event. Plan out your situation ahead of time. If you are unsure if the food will trigger you, offer to bring something that you know you will be able to eat. Plan ahead of time the skills you can use for emotions or when anxiety arises (ex. three slow cycles of breathing deeply or sitting beside supportive friends or family members during the event)
• Eat regularly and healthy-Stick to your normal routine and meal plan. Pick a balance of foods for your meal in appropriate portions. Don’t let the holidays change your normal meal routine.
• Make a list-write down each thing you have to do for the holidays. Get things done ahead of time to save yourself from unneeded stress.
• Get extra support-consider making an extra trip to your therapist to help you address and cope with specific worries, fears and anxieties. Find a supportive family, friend or partner to talk with and enter gatherings with.
• Take one day at a time-looking at the total of the holidays can be overwhelming; you may want to break the day down to parts (ex. morning goals then afternoon and then bedtime goals).
• Do some fun activities-take time to create some fun: Games, walks or movies can help divert you from food worries.
• If you make a mistake; let it go and move on- if you slip up, get up and start from the moment you become aware of the slip to get back on the meal plan. Use your skills to improve the moment or soothe yourself with self-care activities.
• Try to be flexible-do the best you can to flow with the plans while sticking to your meal plan.
• Only attend what you can handle-you don’t have to attend all the events. You may want to politely decline situations that would make you feel uncomfortable and overwhelmed.