The Isolation Binge
Conflicted Self Image
With social media setting unrealistic body standards and society’s beauty ideals stressing “hourglass figures” being the norm, there is an increased pressure to fit into these standardized boxes, which fuels anxiety and upsetting emotions. What ensues is a downward spiral with people either resorting to starving themselves, binge and purge or engage in binge eating episodes. Our distorted self-image and heightened body dysmorphia can do great harm. On the surface, individuals struggling with eating disorders might carry an ‘everything is ok” attitude, but deep down, they might need immediate help.How Do We Cope?
While one must remember that every individual’s eating pattern is unique, like a fingerprint, there are ways to deal with and help improve one’s struggling food patterns. With healthy coping mechanisms and a little bit of will power, one can chuck the eating disorder problems out of their life. Remember that eating disorders are in itself energy consuming, and we have very little ability to control them. Viewing our recovery as a challenge instead of a threat and changing how we respond to circumstances can diffuse some of the stress we experience.Calming Techniques
Abnormal stress levels induce an overdrive in our feelings and leave us drained and exhausted. Start the recovery process by recollecting your thoughts and clearing your mind each day. Practice self-preservation kind and focus on yourself. Breathe deep, hold it in for five seconds, and exhale. This could help you get rid of all negative thoughts, worries, and anxiety. Other calming strategies include:Emotion Based Techniques
A vital step to recovery is gathering your emotions, accepting the presence of both negative and positive feelings all the same. Adopting strategies that tap into the cause of stressors and finding your triggers can help. Essential emotional strategies to keep in mind –- Journaling and penning down your emotions
- Optimistic mindset and quitting the cycle of self-blame when things go wrong
- People with eating disorders tend to engage in negative self-talk. Write affirmative, meaningful messages to yourself to help reduce stress.
Solution-oriented Techniques
Small changes go a long way to help in the healing process. One change leads to another, which puts the individual on a positive path that can alter life significantly. These tips can be useful for stress relief.Solution-focused techniques that help:
- Adopt time-management skills when you feel overwhelmed by a busy schedule
- Talking to friends /family/therapist someone when you feel stressed
- Try something new each day – a new hobby, read a new book, a new adventure
- Respect your limits and change plans. Permit yourself to do something else if it makes you comfortable.
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