The holiday season and New Year brings about many challenges, particularly for those struggling with their relationship with food and body. One of the many challenges is the inevitable bombardment of ads filled with promises on how to start the new year off “right” by going on a “diet.” The multi-billion dollar diet industry has a lot to gain ($$) by slamming you with advertisements for “quick fixes.”
As we begin 2023, you may feel pressured to set a new year’s resolution. You may have set resolutions in the past that focused on your body size. It’s okay. You know better now. You know that your weight doesn’t need to be the focus of a goal or a ‘new’ you. You don’t even have to set a new year’s resolution if you don’t want to. You are worthy just as you are.
The beginning of January brings about the potential for inspiring resolutions and goals. But unfortunately, the new year also provides an opportunity for diet culture to influence how people view their bodies and food.
The picture of a nostalgic, heartwarming holiday season permeates our collective idea of what the winter season ‘should’ be. But, for many people who struggle with food, body distress, and other mental health issues, it can feel more like a nightmare. The winter season can feel isolating and stressful. Changes in routine, pressure from family and friends, school and work commitments, and beyond can feel like the perfect storm of isolating anxiety.
The stress is winding down, but now the uncertainty of the upcoming winter break is upon you. The shifts in your predictable daily routine and the worry of how people will respond to the changes in your actions, behaviors, and body when you return home from school can be unpleasant and stressful.
The winter holidays can be a fantastic opportunity to enjoy being with family and friends. But they can also be stressful and challenging for people with eating disorders. If you or someone you love is navigating the holidays while struggling with an eating disorder, it is crucial to know how to be supportive.
The new year is right around the corner, and with it comes our culture’s fixation on resolutions. While new year’s resolutions aren’t explicitly bad, the overwhelming messaging behind resolutions creates pressure to change your body size, shape, eating habits, and lifestyle, emphasizing your value defined by your appearance.
Learn how to remove morality from food during the holidays with practical tips. Enjoy a stress-free season by neutralizing your relationship with food.
Discover thoughtful and recovery-aligned gift ideas for loved ones struggling with eating disorders. Make this holiday season stress-free and supportive with meaningful presents.
As temperatures drop and autumn draws to a close, shorter days and holiday breaks are just around the corner. Most people highly anticipate the last few months of the year. But winter can be a demanding time of year for some, especially those struggling with mental health. Holding yourself accountable during your recovery at this time of year can be challenging, but that makes it all the more important. Accountability during the end of the year is not only valuable but vital to maintaining recovery in the long run.
Discover 5 essential ways to support a loved one in eating disorder recovery during the holiday season. Make this time recovery-aligned with compassion and understanding.
