), especially if you are just beginning or early on in your recovery journey.
Why Thanksgiving can be difficult for individuals in E.D.
Tight-knit gatherings withhousehold members onlymight be a relief for some folks, Leon says.
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Of course, E.D.
Here are some tips that may help make Thanksgiving Day a little bit easier.
Its just one day, she stresses.
This will give you much needed physical energy to be able to better handle challenging situations, Guizar explains.
(Stick with your formal eating plan if you are currently following one, Leon notes.)
Knowing your safe person is key.
Seriously, write down a list of the things you will not talk about, Leon says.
For instance,I will not talk about my eating.
I will not talk about bodies.
I will not talk about exercise.
The next step is prepping how you will respond if someone violates one of your boundaries.
A few examples:Im working on eating in a way thats good for my body.
Its also totally okay if you dont feel ready or able to verbalize a boundary.
Decide beforehand on what strategies you will use to manage a moment that is emotionally charged or overwhelming.
Say, If XYZ happens, I’m going to do this, Leon says.
What works for you?
Or maybe you need some alone time and distraction.
Leon suggests having relaxing music orguided meditationsat the ready.
Check out theseoptimistic but realistic affirmationsor theIntuitive Eaters Holiday Bill of Rightsfor inspiration.
Just experimenting with that shift in perspective might be worthwhile.
Despite what it might feel like,Thanksgivingis not a big scary test that you ace or bomb.
There is no such thing as perfection or failure here, Leon saysonly information gathering.
You cant do anything wrong.
And then you have that new information to work with for your next session.
The best way to come into the day after Thanksgiving?
No matter what happened the previous day, its business as usual.
Its just another new day, Leon says.
As she puts it, Theres no such thing as having to pay penance the next day.
