Today we\u2019re taking a look at those challenges and sharing our tips for ensuring an eating disorder doesn\u2019t hold you back from enjoying the holiday.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Easter is an opportunity for families to reconnect and revel in the spring season. Whilst this can be a joyful experience, it can be challenging for those in recovery as there\u2019s the risk of (often well-meaning) comments triggering unhelpful thoughts and feelings. The ole \u201cyou look well!\u201d comment can stir up all sorts of thoughts and feelings, and the last thing we want is to feel on edge during a holiday that brings up multiple challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Our tip? <\/strong><\/em>Be mindful of who you\u2019re sitting near or next to, and if you feel they\u2019ll say something that will cause difficulty at the table, see if you can switch up the seating plan. Make sure you\u2019re sitting next to someone who you feel comfortable with so you can squeeze their hand if something comes up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If family time sounds overwhelming \u2013 that\u2019s okay! Family time can be overwhelming for people regardless of whether they\u2019re suffering with an eating disorder or not. Perhaps you\u2019re seeing distant family members you haven\u2019t seen for a while, or simply returning to or visiting an environment that holds many difficult memories and emotions. Either way, be mindful of not judging what comes up for you. As above, even for the most \u2018well\u2019 individuals, family time can be stressful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Our tip? <\/strong><\/em>Ensure you have a safe space you can return to for some reflection and peace and quiet. Perhaps you could create a safe word with a family member so they know you need a short break and need to be checked in with after a period of time. All of these actions are ways of ensuring you can keep your recovery the priority \u2013 it is not \u201cneedy\u201d or \u201cweak\u201d to need time out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As much as you probably don\u2019t want to think about food and mealtimes, \u201cto prepare is half the victory\u201d. Like many holidays, there can be an emphasis on food at Easter. Some in recovery might find the thought of this terrifying, others may be able to see it as an opportunity to challenge their eating disorder and \u2018fear foods\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Our tip? <\/strong><\/em>If you can, take a moment to sit with a loved one and discuss your anxieties and what your triggers might be during the weekend. Perhaps you can reach out to whoever is hosting the event to let them know that you\u2019re going through a difficult time and may need some small adjustments to the plan in order for you to join in as much as possible. It\u2019s okay to state your needs and ensure that they are met.<\/p>\n\n\n\n People in recovery can struggle to find meaning during periods of downtime that don\u2019t have any clear productive direction. There can be a fear that overwhelming emotions or critical thoughts will sneak in and get too much of the spotlight. Finding ways to soothe yourself in the midst of this discomfort is an important means of working *with<\/strong>* the difficult emotions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Our tip? <\/strong><\/em>Create a list of toolbox (or list) of activities you can do. There are a number of activities that don\u2019t have to take you away from your family, for instance, colouring in a colouring book \u2013 this can keep you \u201cbusy\u201d without really doing anything. It\u2019s also a great way to focus the mind and enter a state of \u201cflow\u201d that allows you to perceive and process thoughts that arise during the practice. You might want to start a jigsaw puzzle or sort out your playlists. There\u2019s nothing wrong with having a back-up plan!<\/p>\n\n\n\nSurviving the social bit<\/em><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Have a \u2018time out\u2019 plan<\/em><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
When it comes to mealtimes, plan ahead<\/em><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Dealing with downtime discomfort<\/em><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Struggling with bingeing?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n