Tips for Managing School and Eating Disorder Recovery

Are you wondering how can an eating disorder affect school? Well, starting a new semester can be a bit overwhelming with all the new schedules, teachers, classes, classmates, and extracurricular activities. While it’s an exciting time, it can also bring on some anxiety. If you’re dealing with disordered eating or are on your recovery journey, these changes might make you feel tempted to fall back into old habits to manage the stress. This can be especially tough if you had a set meal routine over the summer and got used to that structure. But remember, continuing your recovery is about finding ways to handle these stressors without turning back to disordered eating behaviors. It might be challenging, but it’s definitely doable!

Here are some strategies you can use to stay focused on your studies while also prioritizing your health during your recovery journey.

Be Patient and Give Yourself Grace

This can sometimes be easier said than done. At the start of your recovery journey, you might feel a sense of victory, accomplishment, and motivation, knowing you’re working to heal your relationship with food and find freedom. However, if you slip up, it’s easy to start beating yourself up, especially if you’ve been focused on recovery all summer, and then school begins, making everything harder. Remember, we are all human and we all make mistakes. While you might have done something differently or better, you can always try again. It’s important to recognize that this journey isn’t linear. There will be ups and downs, but that’s just part of the process. The key is that you’re trying, working with professionals, and putting in the effort to challenge negative thoughts.

Have Realistic Expectations

Balancing your recovery with extracurricular activities can be tricky, especially with all the assignments, homework, and tests that come with school. It’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed, and this can definitely affect both your mental and physical health.
If you find extracurriculars are feeling like too much, it’s okay to take things slow and gradually ease into them. Remember, your recovery should come first because it’s the key to helping you do well in everything else, like your grades, sports, and social activities. When you focus on taking care of yourself, you’ll be better able to manage school and enjoy other activities without feeling overwhelmed.
Taking care of your mental and physical health is super important for thriving in all areas of your life. By prioritizing your recovery, you’re setting yourself up to do well in school, enjoy your hobbies, and have fun with friends. It’s all about finding that balance so you can be your best self in every part of your life.

Find Ways to Relax and Reconnect With Yourself

With all the demands of classes, sports, friends, and family, it can be tough to find time to reconnect with yourself. It’s really important to build in moments of relaxation and stress relief throughout your day. Whether it’s attending a yoga class, going for a walk, painting, taking a bath, or watching your favorite TV show, finding these small ways to unwind can help clear your mind and keep you balanced.

Incorporate New Foods

As you settle into your new routine, you’ll likely need some tasty recipes and meals to keep you energized for both good grades and recovery. Working with a dietitian can be a great help—they can offer delicious meal ideas and support you in facing any fear foods, so you can broaden your food choices. Plus, with school in full swing, it’s important to make sure you’re eating enough to stay sharp and have the energy you need for all your tasks and activities throughout the day!

Looking for new quick and delicious breakfast recipe ideas? We suggest reading this blog: Breakfast Ideas for Kids.

Speak With Your Healthcare Team

Talking with your healthcare team, especially a dietitian, can be a huge help during your eating disorder recovery, especially while you’re in school. A dietitian can team up with you to create a recovery plan that fits well with your school schedule and daily life. They’ll help you build meal plans that give you the right nutrition to stay energized and focused for your classes and activities.
They’re also there to help you with any challenging situations, like managing social events involving food or handling the stress of exams and deadlines. Regular check-ins with a dietitian offer constant support and encouragement, helping you stay on track even when school gets busy. With their help, you can balance your recovery and your studies more easily.