Summer break is almost here, a season filled with sunshine, new experiences, beach days, travel, and a much-needed pause from schoolwork. While it’s a time many look forward to, it can also bring unique challenges for those navigating disordered eating. Shifts in routine, more food-focused gatherings, and increased body image pressures can make this time feel overwhelming. In this blog, we’ll share helpful strategies to support your recovery so you can enjoy your summer and embrace all it has to offer, while also taking care of yourself.
Pack Snacks You Trust
- If you’re heading out for travel or summer fun with loved ones, don’t forget to pack some snacks you know and trust. Choose ones that help you feel nourished and comfortable, especially the ones you’ve already practiced during recovery. Having familiar foods on hand can make a big difference, especially in new or unpredictable settings like airports, road trips, or long days out and about.
Create a Coping Toolkit
- If you start to feel anxious or overwhelmed, it’s okay, that happens sometimes. What helps is having a few tools you can turn to that bring you comfort and help you feel more grounded. This might be things like a favorite playlist, a journal, a cozy book, a fidget toy, or even a calming scent you love. You can also ask your care team for techniques like deep breathing or grounding exercises, as they can help you find what works best for you.
If you want more information about this, we’d recommend reading this blog: Nurturing a Positive Body Image Through Coping Skills
Set Boundaries with Food & Body Talk
- Spending more time with friends or family? It can help to gently remind them of the boundaries that support your well-being. Let them know, kindly but clearly, what feels helpful and what doesn’t, especially when it comes to food or body talk. You don’t need to apologize for taking care of yourself! If certain topics are tough or triggering, it’s okay to ask for support in changing the subject or steering conversations in a different direction. The people who care about you will want to help you feel safe and supported.
If you want more information about this, we’d recommend reading this blog: How to Set Healthy Boundaries During Recovery
Practice Self-Compassion
- Not every day will feel easy, and that’s completely okay. Some days you’ll feel strong and steady, and other days might feel harder or more frustrating. Instead of aiming for perfection, focus on being gentle with yourself. What matters most is continuing to make choices that support your recovery, even in small ways. If you’re being hard on yourself, try thinking about what you’d say to a friend going through the same thing. Chances are, you’d speak with kindness, so offer that same kindness to yourself. You deserve it.
Honor Rest
- Remember, you don’t have to “earn” rest or fun. Rest isn’t just about sleep; it’s about giving your mind and body a break from the go-go-go. Whether it’s curling up with a good book, stretching, taking a quiet moment to breathe, or spending time with people who lift you up, rest helps you recharge and feel more like yourself.
If you want more information about this, we’d recommend reading this blog: The Benefits of Rest and Why It Shouldn’t Be “Earned”
Plan Support Check-Ins
Your healthcare team, such as dietitians and therapists, is there to help you! They want to see you thrive in your relationship with your body and food. They will guide you and help you address any challenges that arise. They will also give you personalized advice on all these tips! They can help you come up with snack ideas that may benefit you, as well as give you coping techniques or even guide you through how to set healthy boundaries.
