Really, relapse is common and to be expected in many cases of anorexia, bulimia and binge eating.  After all, it’s tough to get rid of a habit, even an unhealthy one; how many smokers stay cigarette-free forever the first time they quit? 

If you’re scared that you’ll slide back into Ana’s arms, congratulations — you’ve taken the first step toward ensuring you won’t!  You’ve identified a trigger, in this case a return to an environment that is fraught with uncertainty, excitement, peer pressure, worry and newness.  Naming your fears can absolutely help to overcome them.  In fact, you might want take this process a step further and write down exactly what concerns you and why you’re afraid that back to school could interfere with your eating disorder recovery.

It’s worth a shot.  Anything to make your life Ana- or Mia-free is worth trying.

Post from: Blisstree

Back to School Doesn’t Have to Mean Back to Ana

How will you kick Ana and Mia’s tushes? 

If you’re not certain, I have a few suggestions:

• Don’t talk about how you hate your body today.  Zip up your lip.
• If you see someone (especially a woman) who looks good, TELL HER.  Not in a creepy way, of course, but do give a passing compliment.  I do this routinely and you’d be amazed at how much gratitude I get just from saying, “You have wonderful arms!” or “You look incredible in that color!”
• Do something nice for someone.  Make bread for a neighbor.  Fill up the gas tank for your husband, wife, parent, whomever.  Kindness begets kindness.
• Show patience today.  In traffic, don’t become frustrated.  If you clean the house and the kids come in and wreck it in five seconds (and they will, I promise!), don’t shout.  Stay calm and smile.
• Write to a friend.  Send a little note instead of an email.  Or a postcard that you make with crayons and heavier paper.  Or a greeting card.  You’ll make someone happy… and it’ll make you feel better, too.

Let me know if you take me up on this offer!  Now, I’m off to do a random act of kindness…

Post from: Blisstree

Will you make a difference today?