If you are a young adult in recovery from disordered eating, you may be wary of the approaching holiday celebrations. How will you be able to face the abundance of food and drink? How will you cope with the scrutiny of concerned relatives? How will you resist slipping back into unhealthy behaviors?
Use These 5 Planning Tips to Keep Your Recovery on Track
1. Review your attitude about food and holiday eating. Try to eat mindfully, enjoying the whole holiday experience: sights, aromas, sounds, and camaraderie.
2. Plan your eating. Holiday meals are often delayed or protracted. Eat a small, healthy meal on your regular schedule. Then you’ll be able to enjoy a small portion of the holiday feast or party goodies without straying too far from your meal plan.
3. Use your support network. Consult your nutritionist about keeping balance in your holiday food choices. Entrust a friend or loved one to act as monitor and support at a large social function so you do not slip back into old behaviors.
4. Anticipate stress and manage it. Review your trigger points and coping strategies. Keep up your exercise and meditation regimens. Anticipate situations that are uncomfortable and have an exit strategy.
5. Control your schedule. Give yourself permission to say “no” to activities and relationships that are at odds with your goals.
Recovery Help for Co-Occurring Disorders
Are you a young adult facing this holiday season with the anxieties of disordered eating and co-occurring drug and alcohol abuse? Red Oak Recovery® has treatment programs that will help you make sense of your feelings and give you the support strategies you need to develop a healthier approach to food. Learn to successfully manage stress and addiction, during the holidays and beyond. Call 866.457.7426 to speak to an admissions specialist and begin your journey to recovery today!
