Suggestions for Recovery

SUGGESTIONS for RECOVERY* Your first three months* Priority Activities     

Make sure you are medically stable.

Consult a doctor.

Get support: a counselor and nutritionist (both trained eating disorders specialists), AND eating disorders support group(s).

Read recovery literature.

Additional Suggestions Keep it Simple!

(Pick a few new activities each month)

            

Keep things simple.

Make a list of self-soothing activities, and do one or two a day.

Practice being honest with yourself and others.

Make a list of what your eating disorder does for you, and come up with alternatives that deliver the same result.

Validate your feelings.

Give yourself permission to eat.

Practice eating when hungry, stopping when moderately full.

Let go of second-guessing your choices.

Attend a variety of meetings (online and in person, if possible).

Make outreach calls.

Find a sponsor/partner, & contact regularly.

Work the Steps with a sponsor/buddy.

Keep a journal. * These are only suggestions. Individual experience varies.

Months 3 through 6 in Recovery*  Continue with everything above.  Continue to apply the advice of your physician, counselor and nutritionist.  Accept a service position at one of your regular meetings.

Months 6 through 12 in Recovery*  Continue with everything above.  Make use of daily meditation literature. 5 minutes helps a lot.  Help others; ask program members to coffee, a movie, etc.

Try New Ways of Thinking         

Focus on solutions to your issues.

Focus on what is working.

Check your thinking out with others.

Take responsibility for your choices.

Do not blame others (It does not help to perceive self as a victim).

Cultivate a sense of humor.

Keep an open mind.

Keep being honest.

Express your feelings safely.

* These are only suggestions. Individual experience varies.

Try New Behaviors Make a list of what your eating disorder does for you, and come up with alternatives that deliver the same result.

When feeling down or uncomfortable, ask: “What would I be doing if I felt better?” and then do it.

Be on time. Stop the internal stress cycle that tardiness creates.

Refrain from gossip of all types: find a safe outlet to discuss interpersonal problems.

Explore new ways to communicate and set boundaries; you will be taking care of yourself and your self-esteem will benefit.

When angry, ask: “What would make me feel heard and validated?” and do it.

Afraid of rejection? Plan how to comfort yourself when you get it.

Talk about your mistakes and what you want to do differently next time.

Be wary of setting unrealistic expectations.

Talk with others before deciding what is realistic. Be flexible in your thinking.

Perfectionism is a bar to all progress.

Let go of it!

Try More New Ways of Thinking  Think about bringing balance into your life.  Express gratitude.  Notice what is right and good in your world.  Be willing to change your mind.  Be willing to change your behavior.  See yourself as recovering.  Be gentle with yourself.  Practice compassion with yourself and others.

This document highlights some general suggestions from people with recovery in EDA .

Individual experience varies.

Please take what you can use and leave the rest.

For more suggestions for recovery, please see the supplemental EDA document: “SUGGESTIONS FOR RECOVERY" Available free on the EDA website.

(Under the Literature tab.) www.eatingdisordersanonymous.org

 Rely on yourself.  Trust your inner resources.  Treat yourself as if you are your best friend.  Approve of yourself.  Your best is good enough!  Confront ill attitudes and behaviors in yourself.  Identify ruts.  Plan new ways to think and act.

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