Eating Disorder Recovery During the School Year: 5 Ways to Support Yourself
The transition into a new school year or semester can bring excitement, uncertainty, and added stress. For those navigating eating disorder recovery during the school year, changes in routine, new schedules, academic pressures, and social expectations can make recovery feel more challenging. While it can be difficult to balance recovery, school, and everyday life, having the right support systems and coping strategies in place can help you manage stress, prioritize recovery, and approach the school year with confidence.
While every recovery journey is different, and what works for one person may not work for another, the following five tips may help support eating disorder recovery during the school year:
Make Time For Self-Care
Self-care can be difficult to prioritize during a busy school year, but it plays an important role in eating disorder recovery. In order to show up for others, you first need to show up for yourself. Self-care can look different for everyone and may include anything from taking a nap to enjoying a relaxing bath. Whatever helps you recharge and care for your well-being can be a form of self-care. It may be helpful to intentionally set aside time for these activities each week by scheduling them in your calendar. Treating self-care as a priority rather than an afterthought can help with accountability. When self-care is pushed aside, stress and mental health challenges may increase, allowing eating disorder thoughts and behaviors to resurface.
Connect With Your Support System
Having an eating disorder can feel incredibly isolating, but it is important to remember that you do not have to recover alone. Identify people you can turn to when you need support. This might include a therapist, dietitian, friend, family member, or support group. Having a space where you can speak openly and receive support can make a meaningful difference in your recovery journey. As you navigate eating disorder recovery during the school year, challenges will inevitably arise. Staying connected to a support system can help you manage these challenges, process difficult emotions, and feel less alone throughout the semester.
If you are a student, consider exploring resources available through your school, such as counseling services, support groups, or other mental health resources that may be available on campus.
Find Stress Reduction Techniques That Work For You
Everyone experiences stress, but the ways we manage it can look very different. What works well for one person may not be helpful for another, and that is okay. If you have not yet found stress reduction techniques that work for you, consider trying something new and keeping an open mind. You may be surprised by what you enjoy. Some examples of stress-reducing activities include listening to music, journaling, crafting, spending time with friends, practicing mindfulness, or engaging in a favorite hobby. As you navigate eating disorder recovery during the school year, finding healthy ways to cope with stress can help support both your mental health and recovery.
Eat Regularly (Even When You Get Busy)
School requires a lot of time, energy, and mental focus, so eating regularly and adequately is important. When schedules become busy, it can be tempting to delay or skip meals and snacks until you have a free moment. However, your brain functions best when it is adequately nourished, and taking time to eat can help improve concentration, memory, and overall academic performance.
If preparing meals feels overwhelming during a busy semester, consider meal prepping or ingredient prepping ahead of time. Having food readily available can make it easier to stay consistent with meals and snacks throughout the week. If you find yourself forgetting to eat or getting caught up in schoolwork, setting reminders on your phone can provide a helpful nudge.
It may also be helpful to share meals with a friend or roommate, as eating with others can provide accountability and support. As you navigate eating disorder recovery during the school year, prioritizing regular nourishment can help support both your well-being and your recovery goals.
Get Enough Sleep
Last but certainly not least, prioritize sleep. Like eating, it can be easy to convince ourselves to stay up a little later to finish an assignment, study for an exam, or catch up on other responsibilities. While this may seem helpful in the moment, consistently sacrificing sleep can make it more difficult to manage stress, concentrate, and support your recovery.
Whenever possible, try to go to bed and wake up at roughly the same time each day. Getting enough sleep can help you feel more energized, improve focus, and support your overall well-being. As you navigate eating disorder recovery during the school year, prioritizing rest is just as important as prioritizing nutrition. While all-nighters may seem productive, a good night’s sleep is often more beneficial for learning, memory, and academic performance than studying while sleep deprived.
Supporting Eating Disorder Recovery During the School Year
Starting a new school year or semester can feel overwhelming, especially when you are also in eating disorder recovery. Remember that recovery does not have to be perfect, and it is not something you have to do alone. Prioritizing self-care, staying connected to others, finding ways to manage stress, eating regularly, and getting enough rest can all help you navigate eating disorder recovery during the school year. Small, consistent steps can make a meaningful difference, and every effort you make to care for yourself matters.
How BALANCE Can Support Eating Disorder Recovery During the School Year
If you are struggling with eating disorder recovery during the school year, BALANCE may be able to provide additional support. Our 14-Day Back-to-School Program in New York City is designed to help clients navigate the transition into a new semester. The program can help clients strengthen recovery skills, build confidence, create structure, and prepare for the demands of the school year.
BALANCE provides 7-days-a-week programming and comprehensive eating disorder treatment in a supportive, weight-inclusive environment. BALANCE is in-network with UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, Cigna, and select Emblem plans, helping make specialized eating disorder treatment more accessible.
Whether you are returning to campus or starting a new semester, you do not have to navigate eating disorder recovery alone. Additional support can help you manage the challenges and changes that may come with the transition back to school.
Schedule a free consultation call with our admissions team here and stay connected with BALANCE on Instagram here.
This post was written by BALANCE Dietetic Intern Alexa Kliman (she/her).
Alexa is currently a masters student at Rutgers School of Health Professions and is pursuing her degree in clinical nutrition to become a dietitian. Originally receiving her bachelors degree in fashion merchandising, Alexa discovered her passion for all things nutrition and decided to make a career change. Alexa is passionate about intuitive eating, HAES and finds working with those who have eating disorders to be extremely fulfilling. Outside of school, Alexa enjoys reading, mindful movement and spending time with her sister. She is very excited to continue to support clients at BALANCE.
