The New Year often brings reflection on the past year and a desire to change for the better in the upcoming year. New Year’s often brings pressure to set new goals and higher standards, and it is almost impossible to have a conversation with someone without them asking what your New Year’s resolution is. Studies have shown that the majority of New Year’s resolutions focus on weight loss and getting into shape, which can be triggering for those individuals who are struggling with an eating disorder or who are at risk of developing an eating disorder. Additionally, often in the form of resolutions, we fall into the habit of committing to something new at the beginning of the year, only finding it difficult to sustain in the months to come. Why is that, and is this something that is beneficial for those in eating disorder recovery?
Relapsing after setting a New Year’s resolution
Resolutions seem effective, in theory, and usually come from a sincere desire to make positive change in our lives. However, resolutions and goals are not much without action steps in place and realistic methods for moving forward. For those who are in recovery, resolutions often negate the process of healing from an eating disorder and can unintentionally set up someone for failure. For example, a person in recovery might resolve to “Not have another binging episode” or “Not engage in purging episodes after a meal” as a hopeful motivating factor to sustain recovery. The reality of eating disorder recovery is that relapses do happen and it is incredibly important to acknowledge relapses, accept them and seek treatment immediately. Relapsing during the New Year after you have already set your resolution is okay and is part of your eating disorder recovery journey. The most important part of relapsing is seeking help and practicing self-care. Setting goals that are not realistic can result in many obstacles in your recovery. These lofty unrealistic goals may seem like a great idea but when put into practice, they can cause more harm then good.
Setting realistic New Year’s resolution goals while in eating disorder recovery
Resolutions often demand perfectionism, a dangerous trend for those in recovery. Instead, practice giving yourself grace and flexibility and set goals that can help you thrive during your recovery instead of stumble. Some realistic goals for the New Year include:
- Meeting with your therapist or dietitian on a more regular basis
- Joining an eating disorder support group or if you are already in one, making attempts to participate more
- Volunteering
- Learning how to put yourself first
- Practicing self-care
- Focusing on taking one day at a time
- Learning how to be more patient with yourself
- Making new friends who are supportive of you
Notice that these goals are not black and white, meaning that they are not categorized by a specific amount or duration. Many New Years goals are categorized by doing a certain amount of some activity for a specific duration of time. Examples include exercising for an hour a day, 3 days or week, eating a specific number of calories each day or saving a certain amount of money each month. Setting black and white resolutions are more likely to result in failures than accomplishments and as a result, many individuals will feel defeated instead of empowered. Rather than setting black and white resolutions, set resolutions that do not have a specific amount or duration. An example could be save more money or attend more therapy sessions. By not having a specific number set, you are more likely to be successful in your resolution and feel empowered, especially during your eating disorder recovery process. After all, the goal of a New Year’s resolution is to live a better life.
At Center for Discovery, we know that New Year’s can be a triggering time for those in eating disorder recovery. We are here to help. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support you.