Believe it or not, the holidays don’t have to revolve around sweet treats and savory plates. Creating new traditions while in eating disorder recovery is a wonderful way to celebrate. Whether you’re getting active outdoors or decorating inside, there are many ways to enjoy the holiday season without experiencing the pressure of food-related triggers.
Practice gratitude.
If you’re surrounded by friends and/or family who love you, soak it in! Consider setting a place card at each seat with one positive word that describes each person you hold dear. If you liked your treatment center, you might want to send a genuine thank you note to the staff with a lovely poinsettia or other festive plant to show appreciation. Most of all, thank yourself! Remember how far you’ve come in your recovery and all the hard work you put in to get here. Make a meaningful purchase as a gift to yourself. Plant flowers or a young tree in honor of your journey. The choice is yours—the important thing is you treat yourself with kindness and compassion.
Reach out to your support system.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Schedule a session with your therapist or a professional you can rely on for advice and coping strategies. Make a specific recovery plan with your treatment team. Check in with folks who might also be struggling to stay afloat amidst the holiday commotion. Relating to your peers by hearing their stories can strengthen relationships. Connecting with others who understand what you’re going through is a great way to curb feelings of loneliness and isolation. You are not alone!
Set your sights on the great outdoors.
Though it may be brisk in many parts of the country, a refreshing hike can be very invigorating. Explore new trails solo or invite a friend. Suggest fun group activities like mini golf and go karting. Have a snowball fight or snowman building contest. Walk or drive through your neighborhood to see the decorations. Visit a holiday light show in a nearby park. Bundle up to sip tea around the fire pit with a guitar. The opportunities to create new memories are endless!
Get creative.
If you’re crafty, get out the paints and organize a holiday card making party. You might even like to make hand-cut snowflakes and other decorations to hang together. If you dread wrapping gifts but would find it an easier chore to complete if other people were doing it too—invite them over! Host a vision board making party where everyone maps out their goals for the new year. If you enjoy singing, acting and/or dancing, get a group together to rehearse and perform a holiday pageant. If you’re feeling especially festive, go caroling and keep an old-fashioned tradition alive.
Start volunteering.
Nothing makes you forget about your own troubles faster than focusing on someone else. Volunteer your time and energy for positive change at a local shelter, soup kitchen, gift and/or clothing drive, retirement home or a neighbor in need. Maybe you stop by to replace a neighbor’s lightbulb or trim their hedges. You may even want to give a charitable donation to a cause you’re passionate about. ‘Tis the season of giving, and what better way to give back than through your local community?
No matter which new traditions you choose, they’re sure to bring joy to you and your loved ones. After all, spending time together is what’s important. Keep the spirit of the holiday season close to your heart, be present in the moment and enjoy yourself!
If you or a loved one is struggling with an eating disorder, Center for Discovery can help. For over 25 years, we’ve been changing the lives of thousands of patients with individualized treatment plans and unique levels of care. Don’t wait, reach out to one of our specialists today and start your journey to a healthier life.
Related reading:
https://centerfordiscovery.com/blog/how-to-navigate-the-holidays-when-youre-recovering-from-disordered-eating/
https://centerfordiscovery.com/blog/returning-home-for-the-holidays-and-eating-disorder-recovery/
https://centerfordiscovery.com/blog/maintaining-recovery-holiday-traditions/
https://centerfordiscovery.com/treatment-difference/
