Have a list of things you can do to relax and distract yourself temporarily if you feel uncomfortable in a situation
Only deal with small doses of feelings at any given time
Listen to your inner voice repeating positive statements only
Imagine yourself to be calm and confident as you repeat I am ok, I can do this
Do remind yourself of times when you successfully handled other difficulties
Acknowledge your right to have fun and feel comfortable during this time!
You know that you are in control of your feelings
Seize the day!
For people with eating disorders, holidays can be a stressful time; however, with some forward planning, you may feel more relaxed and prepared for situations that arise.
DO: Tips to follow for getting relief from eating disorders during holidays- Plan ahead of time to help you cope in difficult situations for example- if you feel yourself starting to panic because you are feeling too full or you have eaten foods you consider bad, remind yourself it is OK, and that most people eat more when on holidays. This one time will not make you gain weight.
- Try not to count calories or weigh yourself
- Make a list of things to do to relax and distract yourself - go for a walk, a swim, write in your journal, listen to music, talk to someone.
- If you do have a period where you end up bingeing or purging- do not dwell on it- just because it happened once, doesnt mean it has ruined your day or that this has to happen again.
- Take control if you have to go for a meal with a large group of people where you may feel uncomfortable, plan ahead and YOU choose the restaurant and seating arrangements so that you know in advance what is on the menu and who you will be sitting beside.
- Do not allow yourself to be pressurised into eating more than you are comfortable with- you have a voice so use it!
