Reevaluate Your Expectations in School 

It is normal if your routine during the school year looks different than it did over the summer during the transitional back-to-school period. Not everything will be perfect, and that is okay. It is okay to work with your support system and treatment team to make changes to benefit you and your recovery. You can protect your relationship with food and your body without being strict with yourself this fall. There is freedom in not having a rigid routine and being flexible when possible. Examine your expectations of yourself as you go back to school. Where can you cut yourself some slack?

Do Not Compare Yourself to Others

It is so easy to compare yourself to others. When interacting with your classmates for the first time since the end of the last school year, you may compare yourself to how they look or what they eat. However, comparison often leads to negative thoughts about yourself. Do not compare your body or your diet to others. Each person is unique and does not have to be like anyone else.

Surround Yourself With A Supportive Circle

The people you spend time with significantly impact your attitudes toward body image and food. Surrounding yourself with people who are not on fad diets and do not talk about their bodies or food often leads to a healthier relationship with food and body image. Build your support system with this in mind – try surrounding yourself with people with diverse interests and hobbies to keep conversations unrelated to food. 

Getting ready for school can be challenging due to the expectations from others or even the ones we put on ourselves. However, with all the academic stress and other issues that come with returning to school, it is necessary to take care of yourself. Remember these tips when you go back to school, and remember that you can always choose recovery.