Non-Food Related Holiday Activities for those in Eating Disorder Recovery
Written by CCTC Staff Writer
The holiday season is typically filled with many celebrations focused on or including food. From large family gatherings to office parties, potlucks, and secret Santa exchanges, there are a lot of traditions and celebrations with an emphasis on the food being served. While for many these moments may be fun and a time to enjoy, for others they can be filled with anxiety and stress.
For those with eating disorders or in recovery from an eating disorder, the holiday season can be especially triggering. There are a lot of expectations and pressures around eating and drinking, both from others and from within. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 64% of people who struggle with their mental health say they experience more severe symptoms during the holiday season.
Finding alternative ways to celebrate the holiday season that don't focus on food can be a positive way to spend the season connecting with loved ones while eliminating overwhelming scenarios while in recovery from an eating disorder.
In this blog learn more about:
Creative ways to celebrate this festive season without focusing on food
3 things to remember if you are in recovery this Holiday season
What to do if the Holiday season is challenging
Some Helpful Holiday Ideas That Don’t Involve Food
1) Do a holiday or winter craft
Spending time with friends and family doing a holiday or winter-themed craft can be a great way to celebrate and do something fun, without focusing on food. Whether you celebrate Hanukkah, or Christmas or are looking to recreate a winter wonderland, there are crafts for everyone no matter your age!
Here are some examples to explore:
2) Create Holiday cards for a local food bank, nursing home or other local organization
Spreading Holiday cheer can be a rewarding way to give back to your community. Spend time creating Holiday Greeting cards with friends or family for those who may be spending the Holidays alone or are facing a difficult time. Dropping these off at a local organization can help you focus on the true spirit of giving during the Holiday season.
3) Host a festive movie marathon
Whether you’re celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, or just the winter season in general, countless holiday movies can get you into the festive spirit. Grab some blankets and spend the day watching all of your favorites! Spending time together can help build new memories and begin a new holiday tradition.
4) Host a fun game night
Get together with friends or family and host a festive game night! Ask everyone to bring their favorite board game and host a tournament. Playing games can be a creative way to spend time together without the focus being on food.
5) Go to a Holiday performance
Many cities both large and small offer Holiday performances this time of year. From the Nutcracker to local choir performances, there are plenty of options to get you into the holiday spirit without focusing on food. See what’s playing in your area and go enjoy.
6) Volunteer
Volunteering is a great way to give back and can be very rewarding. There are many opportunities available, especially around the holidays. Check with your local food bank, soup kitchen or homeless shelter to see what volunteer opportunities are available in your area. You can also try looking for opportunities on www.volunteermatch.org.
Things to remember to manage eating disorder recovery during the holiday season
1) Learn that it is okay to say “no”
You may feel the pressure to say yes to every holiday party or activity invitation, but it’s okay to say no. You don’t have to explain your decision if you are uncomfortable doing so, just politely decline. It’s important to do what feels best for you and your recovery. If it is best to prioritize yourself and your recovery by skipping out on a few things, that is more than okay! Your recovery is the most important thing.
2) Prepare ahead of time
If you are attending a gathering that may or may not have food involved, do your best to prepare ahead of time. While it is impossible to predict exactly how a scenario will happen, spending some time thinking about possible triggers and situations that may make you feel uncomfortable or put you at risk of engaging in eating disorder behaviors is a great practice in recovery. It’s also important to have a plan for if things start to feel too difficult or triggering while at a holiday gathering.
Related: How to Cope with Binge Eating Disorder During the Holidays
3) Practice self-compassion
This time of year can be difficult for anyone, so it’s important to be patient and gentle with yourself. Eating disorders are tough to manage and the holiday season can make things feel even harder. Give yourself grace and remember that you are doing the best you can. If things do not go as planned, being hard on yourself will only make you feel worse. Instead, try to take a step back and look at how amazing it is to be prioritizing your recovery in the way that you are. It takes a lot of bravery and dedication to plan and prepare to fight your eating disorder.
What to do if the Holiday season feels difficult
If these suggestions feel too difficult or are not possible, that’s okay. The most important thing is to do what feels safe for you and what you are comfortable with. Honoring your feelings and respecting your needs should be the priority during this difficult time.
The Holiday season can put a lot of pressure on anyone, but especially those struggling with their mental health. If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, it’s important to reach out for help. Talk to a therapist, doctor or a trusted loved one about how you’re feeling. These people are there to support you and want to help however they can.
If you or a loved one is suffering from an eating disorder, please know you are not alone. While it may be scary, taking the first step today and talking to someone about recovery can be the beginning of a great journey. Learn more about the eating disorder recovery programs we offer today.