The stress is winding down, but now the uncertainty of the upcoming winter break is upon you. The shifts in your predictable daily routine and the worry of how people will respond to the changes in your actions, behaviors, and body when you return home from school can be unpleasant and stressful.
By: Tori Barkosky
However, this time of year need not be full of doom and gloom, and below are five tips to try to implement when approaching coming home for the winter break in eating disorder recovery.
Know There is No “Before and After” Picture
How your body was shaped or looked before has no significance on the body you bring back home for the winter break. Remind yourself that the body your soul dwells within bears nothing on your worth. The body is merely a vehicle to carry you through life and facilitate your journey. It is nerve-racking to think about how you and your body will be perceived but remember your worth remains inside you, and the people who matter most will know that.
Rest is a Gift that Does Not Need to be Earned
You may often find yourself so caught up in the hustle and bustle that you forget to rest your mind and body. Society encourages you to constantly work, strive, and be productive 100% of the time; however, this is unrealistic and unsustainable. You deserve to rest. Give yourself grace. You did not earn the rest by working hard during the semester; you earned it by simply living and breathing.
Discover Self-Fulfilling Hobbies that Serve You
During the semester, finding time for hobbies and activities that do not involve your coursework is tricky. It takes a lot of work to discover new hobbies you have been meaning to try. Use this break to engage in activities you enjoy or find new ones! There are so many things to try. Remember to stay curious and open-minded when giving hobbies and activities a go for the first time – you never know what you will find enjoyable!
Enjoy the Break
Now that the semester is over, you may find yourself planning for your next semester. Please hold off on your thinking and scheduling ahead of time and enjoy this break. You deserve to rest and enjoy the holiday without overwhelming yourself with the upcoming semesters and classes. They will have their time once the semester begins, but now is your time to enjoy or focus on your recovery.
Set Boundaries
Last but certainly not least is setting boundaries. Discuss with your family and loved ones how they can best support your recovery. Mindfully inform them of unhelpful comments and conversations, and help them understand how to support you during this transition. Treat everyone with respect and kindness; however, if you find someone triggering or harmful to you and your recovery, find a way to communicate your needs or step away from the conversation or environment.
Winter break is a time to rest your mind and body and invest in yourself and your recovery. Beyond working hard and being productive, you are also worthy of rest, laughter, and a life well-lived. Use this time free from judgments and full of kindness.
At BALANCE eating disorder treatment center™, our compassionate, highly skilled team of clinicians is trained in diagnosing and treating the spectrum of eating disorders, including anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, compulsive overeating, and other disordered eating and body image issues.
The end of the semester and the transition home can be challenging and isolating for someone struggling with an eating disorder. Let BALANCE help you set the stage for lasting recovery while home from school. Our 12-day winter intensive program can help you jump-start your recovery. Our exclusive winter eating disorder treatment program fits conveniently within your winter break schedule, allowing you to invest in transformative care. Connect with our admissions team and learn more about our 12-day winter intensive program here.
Our admissions team would be happy to answer any questions you may have about our programs and services. Book a free consultation call with our admissions team below, or read more about our philosophy here.
Looking for eating disorder treatment programs or services in the New York City area? Learn more about our options at BALANCE eating disorder treatment center™ here or contact us here.
This post was written by BALANCE Blog Contributor, Tori Barkosky (she/her).
Tori is currently a senior at St. Catherine University, pursuing a B.A. in Psychology and a minor in Nutrition Science. Tori is passionate about all things related to intuitive eating, HAES, mental health, body respect, eating disorders, and disordered eating. She desires to become a holistic therapist or psychologist in the future and work with clients with eating disorders and help them recover and heal their broken relationship with food and body and find liberation from diet culture. Outside of classes and work, Tori enjoys yoga, being in nature, and consuming too much coffee.
