Outdoor events and activities such as sporting events and apple picking are a fun part of the fall season. However, they can be tricky and challenging to engage in when struggling with an eating disorder. This season is notorious for being hard to navigate due to the emphasis on body image and eating. For these reasons, discussing ways of preventing society and diet culture from getting in the way of eating disorder recovery and body image healing is helpful.
By: Tori Barkosky
Although it may seem intimidating, everyone’s path to recovery is different. Getting support and tuning in to your individual preferences and needs is vital. It might take time and practice, but below are five tips to help with body acceptance during this season’s many outdoor events.
Take the Emphasis Away From Appearance
It is crucial to shift your focus away from your appearance and prioritize your life experience. Your worth is not based on your appearance but on who you are and what you bring to the world. Pay attention to what you are doing, not how you look. Whether pumpkin picking or out to dinner, these outdoor events are for living and experiencing, not looking.
Make a list of Things You Appreciate About Yourself
On a paper or a note on your phone, write down positive things about yourself that are unrelated to your appearance. If that is not available, try listing neutral things about yourself. Ask a friend or loved one for help if you still have trouble. It might be nice to see yourself through their eyes. Keep this list with you to bolster you in a challenging moment.
Surround Yourself with Supportive People Both In-Person and Online
It is easier to feel better when surrounded by people who uplift and support you. Engage with people who make you feel good about yourself in person and on social media. Unfollow accounts that harm your recovery and set boundaries with people who do the same. The environment and people you engage with can impact your perception of yourself. You are allowed to cultivate a space where you feel supported and safe.
Wear Comfortable Clothes
Work with your body instead of against it. If you feel negative about or uncomfortable in your body, try to wear clothes that feel good. Remember, size is irrelevant and has nothing to do with your worth. Donate or get rid of clothes that no longer make you feel good.
Do Something Nice For Yourself
When you can, fit in activities that you enjoy, find relaxing, or make you feel good. For instance, take a bubble bath or a long shower, make time for a nap, journal, sit and relax outside, or practice yoga. It doesn’t have to be something big, but fitting in something nice for yourself here and there can be uplifting.
We live in a world with so much emphasis on body, food, and movement. Spending time outdoors and participating in social events can be challenging, especially when navigating an eating disorder. But, in recovery, growing more in tune with your body, mind, and soul is essential. Don’t let this season’s outdoor activities get co-opted by diet culture. Let this be a time for making memories and finding joy.
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 behaviors and body image issues. In addition to our full-time Day Treatment Program and Weeknight Intensive Outpatient Program, we offer high-quality programming, nutrition counseling with a licensed dietitian, meal support, and various other groups and resources to help those seeking help for food concerns.
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.
