The festive period can be a difficult time for anyone suffering from an eating disorder. In this post, recovery warrior Isabella shares her personal experience of navigating Christmas day along with some wonderful festive tips.
Isabella’s Festive Recovery Tips
Christmas was always a triggering time during my eating disorder. I felt overwhelmed by the amount of food, out of control with my eating and then a lot of guilt and shame in the days that followed.
2021 was the first Christmas since I began my recovery, and it was the first time I learned things could be so different to previous years, which is why I am sharing this post with you all!
With the help of my recovery coach and the community group, I was able to use tools and create strategies that helped me manage the run-up to Christmas and the day itself. This allowed me to enjoy the day with my family without letting the eating disorder take over.
I wanted to share some of the things which helped me, I hope they help you too.
1. Journaling
In the lead-up to Christmas day, I used journaling to allow me to express how I was feeling, acknowledging any worries rather than avoiding them.
Next, I started thinking about what I wanted from Christmas day. Here is what I wrote last year:
- Spend time with my family
- Create lasting memories
- Laugh and be present
- Rest
- Enjoy food without feeling overwhelmed by it
Doing this reminds me of what this day is about. I can realise that there is so much more to Christmas day than food. It is part of the day, but not the whole day! By shifting my perspective I started to focus on creating a day with my family where I could relax, have fun and be present. Bringing my focus to being part of the festivities, rather than merely ‘getting through’ the day.
2. Talking to loved ones
Once I understood my feelings, I was able to express them to those around me (my partner), who was super understanding and supportive. Knowing I had him on my side and saying everything out loud took a real weight off my shoulders.
3. Creating a day to look forward to
During a group coaching session, I was prompted to create a strategy for how I would manage the day and create a day to look forward to.
I sat down and looked at what I wanted from the day– to have fun and make memories with loved ones. I had a bit of a brainstorm with my partner on what the day could look like and what we could do during the day, which would help shift the focus from just food, to enjoying time with family. We bought a family game (thoroughly recommend Task Master!) and planned a nice afternoon walk.
This was super helpful, but we were spending Christmas at my Mum’s. So I wouldn’t have total control of the day, and therefore I was still feeling anxious. During a dog walk pre-Christmas I shared with my mum how I was feeling and my ideas to make the day less food-centric. She listened, understood and was totally on board!
I was now really forward to a fun day with my family. Knowing my mum and husband were on my side and supportive in making it a safe environment.
4. Including safe foods
One of my concerns in the lead-up was that there would be a lot of foods which were still fear foods for me. Foods which my eating disorder had made me feel guilty for enjoying.
So we decided to have breakfast in our own home, enjoying safe foods and keeping this part of the day normal. This made the day feel a lot more manageable and helped me feel less overwhelmed. After a calm morning, I was in a positive frame of mind when we got to my Mum’s.
My recovery coach helped me to see that this day is about finding a balance – between challenging myself a little and also keeping myself safe, well and happy.
How it went for me
Looking back at how the day went, I remember dressing up as father Christmas, my husband as Mrs Claus and my dog as Rudolph! I remember lots of laughter, and playing silly family games. I actually don’t remember exactly what we ate, but I do know I enjoyed it and don’t look back at it with guilt.
By taking the time to understand my feelings and plan ahead I was able to create a positive experience on a day which had been quite mixed for me in the past.
As we move towards this time again, I don’t feel the same anxiety as last year. I am once again looking forward to making memories with loved ones and enjoying a much-needed rest.
Thank you to Isabella, a recovery warrior who worked with us here at Natural Food Therapy. A beautiful article full of some wonderful festive recovery tips that we hope support others who may be feeling unsure of how to approach the holidays.
If you would like some support through your recovery, we are taking applications to start your journey with us in 2023 now. Click here to get in touch and find out more.
