Authored by Mandy Kryzsiak, MSS Candidate and The Understory Group Intern
As the new year approaches, many of us set resolutions to make improvements in our lives. For some, this might involve healthier eating, exercising more, or achieving personal growth. However, for those who have struggled with eating disorders, these New Year’s intentions can carry a heavy burden. While the desire for self-improvement is natural, it’s essential to approach such resolutions with compassion, awareness, and care.
The Challenge of New Year’s Resolutions for Those with Eating Disorders
The pressure to make drastic changes or set specific weight-related goals often intensifies during the New Year. For individuals who have faced eating disorders, these resolutions can trigger harmful thoughts and behaviors, reinforcing unhealthy patterns instead of promoting healing. Diet-centric goals—such as losing weight or sticking to rigid food rules—can lead to feelings of shame, guilt, and worthlessness if the intended outcomes aren’t achieved. Moreover, focusing solely on appearance can mask the deeper issues that need attention.
For someone recovering from an eating disorder, the start of a new year can feel like a fresh opportunity, but it can also bring forth anxiety or fear of slipping back into old habits. The idea of making "better" choices about food or exercise can seem like a double-edged sword—motivating but potentially harmful if not approached with a healthy mindset.
Shifting the Focus: Intentions that Foster Healing and Self-Care
Instead of focusing on resolutions that center around weight or appearance, the key is to set intentions that encourage healing, self-acceptance, and emotional well-being. These intentions should prioritize kindness to the body and mind, and focus on creating a balanced, sustainable approach to life. Here are some ways to approach New Year’s intentions with care:
1. Set Intention-Based Goals, Not Outcome-Based Goals Rather than focusing on specific results, such as losing weight or achieving a certain body shape, set goals that are based on how you want to feel or act. For example, intentions might include "I will focus on nourishing my body with balanced meals" or "I will practice mindful eating, listening to my hunger and fullness cues."
2. Emphasize Emotional and Mental Health Eating disorders often involve a complex relationship between food and mental health. Intentions that promote emotional well-being can be incredibly beneficial. For instance, goals like "I will seek support when I need it" or "I will practice self-compassion daily" create space for mental healing and growth. Therapy, meditation, journaling, or simply taking time for self-care are all worthwhile focuses.
3. Be Flexible and Gentle The rigidity of dieting and extreme resolutions often makes eating disorders worse. Instead of setting strict rules, try to make space for flexibility. Intention-setting should be about progress, not perfection. You might say, "I will aim for balance in my life, recognizing that some days I’ll eat differently than others, and that’s okay."
4. Incorporate Movement That Feels Good, Not Punitive If exercise is part of your recovery journey, approach it from a place of joy and well-being rather than as a way to burn calories or control your body. Choose movement that feels fun, whether it’s a walk in nature, yoga, dancing, or any activity that brings you pleasure and helps you feel connected to your body.
5. Create a Supportive Environment Building a supportive network is essential when navigating recovery from an eating disorder. A New Year’s intention could be, "I will surround myself with people who respect my healing journey and who encourage my growth." Whether through therapy, support groups, or trusted friends, make sure you have people who genuinely care about your well-being.
6. Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection Recovery is a journey, not a destination. Celebrate small victories—whether that’s choosing a nourishing meal, practicing positive self-talk, or managing a difficult situation in a healthier way. Shift your focus from striving for perfection to appreciating progress.
Remember: Healing Takes Time
As you approach the new year, it's important to remember that healing from an eating disorder takes time, and there’s no "perfect" way to recover. New Year's intentions should be about progress, not perfection. It’s not about achieving a specific weight or body type; it’s about creating a healthier relationship with food, your body, and yourself.
By setting intentions that focus on self-compassion, emotional health, and holistic healing, you can approach the new year with a sense of hope and possibility, without falling into the harmful traps of restrictive dieting or unrealistic expectations. Take each day as an opportunity to reconnect with yourself, and allow your intentions to guide you toward a more balanced, compassionate life.
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