Self-Care Sunday-Self-Care During Eating Disorder Recovery

Self-care is self-compassion. When you practice self-care you are being kind and understanding to yourself during times of distress. Practicing self-care can be difficult for those who suffer from eating disorders. It can feel awkward and uncomfortable. Eating disorders are most often tied to perfectionistic personalities that do not leave much room for self-kindness or understanding. This is especially true when we feel like we are failing, suffering or feeling like we don't quite measure up. But if you take the time and can be patient, you can find the space for self-love and kindness while in recovery.

Part of recovery should be learning to practice self-care as a form of self-compassion. If you don't know how or where to start, but are interested in creating or expanding your self-care practice, I have gathered some tips for you.

1. Think about what you used to love

When you are depressed, anxious, have an eating disorder or any other mental health condition, social isolation and losing interest in things you once loved are usually the first symptoms to pop up. One of the best things that you can do on your self-care journey is to rediscover what you used to find enjoyable. Focus on what or who you have withdrawn from and reconnect. If it once brought you happiness, it can bring your happiness again.

2. Just say "no"

Setting appropriate boundaries is a very important self-care practice. Saying "no" to things and people enhances your ability to be mindful., You can't be mindful when your days are so full that you can't spare any time for yourself. Take a step back and reevaluate what you can eliminate in your day or life and just say no.

3. Do what is right for you

Self-care comes in many forms, and there is no right or wrong way to do it. You have to make your self-care practice relevant and useful to you. Your self-care may be taking a nap or binge watching a show on Netflix. Maybe it's gardening or going for a run. Don't fixate on what you think is self-care or what works for other people. Find what feels good to you.

4. Don't try to be perfect

There is no such thing as "perfect self-care." You may feel like it needs to be the right time or you need the perfect product to practice self-care. Give yourself a break and work with what you have. Not making your self-care perfect is in itself, self-care.

5. Don't stress about time

This goes hand-in-hand with trying to create a perfect self-care practice. Any amount of time that you can dedicate to self-care is worth it. Take one minute to meditate, listen to podcasts while you are doing housework, or sit down and read a book for ten minutes. Every little bit helps and counts.

6. Music is powerful

Listening to your favorite music is a quick and easy way to relax and boost your mood. Create a self-care playlist full of all of your favorite songs so you can de-stress anytime by jamming out.

7. Keep a list

Make a list of all of the self-care acts that have worked for you as you discover them. That way, when you are super stressed and blanking out on what to do, you can consult your handy dandy list of self-care and easily find a way to feel better.

8. Be compassionate with yourself

It can be hard to learn how to take notice of our needs and then take action to meet those needs. We may feel guilty or selfish when focusing inward and performing acts that only benefit us. We might have trouble doing nothing or sitting still. Or we cant stop our mind from racing. It's okay. Know that being mindful and practising self-care can take some time to get the hang of. Don't beat yourself up if it doesn't come easily for you. Ease into it with baby steps and be patient. You will figure it out eventually.

9. Accept yourself

We are all on our own path of recovery. However, you may feel alone in your battle. Know that you are never alone and that we are all working at our own pace. Recovery isn't a race. Self-care may be letting go of old expectations or rules we have placed on ourselves.

10. Live and let go

The most important thing for your to remember is that you need to learn to let go so that you can fully embrace having fun. That is the ultimate self-care secret.