Coping Mechanisms for Eating Disorders and sources

Coping mechanisms for eating disorders:

One significant tool is learning to self soothe.

The skill for self-soothing for an eating disorder can be acquired by developing a kind and gentle approach to oneself. Those adept at comforting themselves know how and when to rest, to cut themselves some slack. They are kind and gentle with themselves, loving themselves unconditionally and treating themselves with all the respect and care they deserve.

Here are some suggestions to consider when developing personalized coping skills for a life of recovery and hope:

I. Mindfulness: Tune into the five senses and be in the moment. Feel the pressure of your body sitting on the chair, smell the scents in the room, listen to the birds outside, look at a beautiful picture on the wall, taste the vibrant flavors of a strawberry.

II. Distractions: Read good books, go to the movies, play sports, play board games, have some good ‘ole fun and leave the worrying for another day.

III. Bubble Baths: A candle lit bubble bath is one of the best comforts this life has to offer! Indulge! It is well deserved.

IV. Music: Play your favorite songs and CDs. Listen to the music closely. Experience the music. Observe how it feels.

V. Journal: Writing down thoughts and feelings is a cathartic opportunity to express churning emotions and think through situations. This also provides a window into new insights and revelations.

VI. Tea: Have a tea party! Make a cup of tea or hot chocolate. Put it in your favorite mug or adorable tea cup, heat the water in a kettle on the stove, breathe deeply, and enjoy the process of making a cup of tea. Then, enjoy the treat.

VII. Wear comfortable clothes: Put on the most cozy pair of sweats and fuzzy slippers, loose is good! Allow the body to feel the soft sensation of cotton or silk against the skin.

VIII. Talk: Talk it out. Talk about the feelings, thoughts and observations with a trusted friend or therapist. It is comforting to feel understood, in and of itself. Additionally, the burdens may seem less draining when they are shared with another.

IX. Get into Nature: Spend some time gardening, observing the beauty of the trees that may line the street, seek out local parks and arboretums to enjoy the beauty of nature.

Here are some tips anyone can use:

* Boost your self-esteem by becoming involved in activities that interest you. Discover your passion!
* Go online and talk with an online friend.
* Imagine yourself in a safe place where you do not need to think about doing anything that is harmful to yourself.
* Make a list of positive affirmations. Pick one, look at yourself in the mirror and say if morning and night for 21 days. The affirmation will become a part of you!
* Get a massage. You can get pretty inexpensive massages at any school that teaches massage.
* Walk your dog or play with you cat.
* Make a list of some nice things you would like to do for your friends.
* Think about taking some classes or doing something to help you discover your passion.
* Tell your family and friends that you love them.
* Make a list of what you are grateful for. This is tough when you are stressed, but if you write it down, the act of writing will help!

Sources:
https://www.eatingdisorderhope.com/recovery/self-help-tools-skills-tips/self-soothing-advice

https://www.eatingdisorderhope.com/recovery/self-help-tools-skills-tips/effective-coping-for-eating-disorders

Another awesome source in pdf form:
(you can just copy the whole thing and put it in the url so that you can find it easily.)

Coping strategies for eating problems - Counseling & Psychological ...
PDFhttps://caps.ucsc.edu › pdf › eating-coping

How to recover from your eating disorder and gain self-confidence:

https://www.helpguide.org/articles/eating-disorders/eating-disorder-treatment-and-recovery.htm

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