Prioritizing Self-Care in Eating Disorder Treatment: How Self-Compassion Supports Recovery with Your Eating Disorder Therapist
Welcome, friends! As I sit down to write, I’m thinking about a topic that feels like the heartbeat of any eating disorder treatment journey: self-care. Whether you’re just starting to look for an eating disorder therapist or you’re already knee-deep in eating disorder therapy,
understanding and practicing self-care is not just helpful - it’s essential.
If you’re like many of my clients, you may find yourself struggling to make time for self-care. Maybe you worry it’s selfish, or perhaps you’re so busy looking after others that you forget to look after yourself. Sound familiar? You’re not alone. These are common challenges, especially for those navigating eating disorder recovery.
Why Self-Care Matters in Eating Disorder Therapy
Let’s start with a rhetorical question: What if self-care was the secret ingredient to lasting recovery? In my years as an eating disorder therapist, I’ve seen firsthand how self-care acts as the foundation for healing. Eating disorder treatment isn’t just about changing behaviors around food - it’s about nurturing your whole self: mind, body, and spirit.
Research backs this up. According to the National Eating Disorders Association, integrating self-care practices into your daily life can improve treatment outcomes, reduce relapse rates, and support overall mental wellness. It’s like tending a garden; the more consistently you nourish the soil, the healthier your plants will grow.
Redefining Self-Care: Busting the Time Myth
Let’s talk about one of the most common barriers: “I don’t have time for self-care.” If I had a nickel for every time I heard that in sessions! But here’s the thing - time is flexible. It stretches and contracts depending on our focus. Have you ever noticed how a joyful hour with a friend seems to disappear, while a stressful ten minutes can feel endless?
Self-care doesn’t require hours of your day. It’s about being intentional with the moments you do have. Maybe it’s five minutes of deep breathing before a meal, a short walk outside, or simply pausing to check in with yourself. These moments add up, like drops of water filling a well.
Self-Care: A Holistic Approach for Eating Disorder Recovery
When we talk about self-care in eating disorder treatment, we’re looking at four interconnected areas:
1. Physical Self-Care- This includes basics like hygiene, regular movement (not punishment!), and healthcare check-ups. It’s not about spa days - unless that’s your thing - it’s about honoring your body’s needs, even on tough days.
2. Spiritual Self-Care- For some, this means prayer, meditation, or connecting with nature. For others, it’s about finding meaning and purpose. Think of it as food for your soul, helping you feel grounded during the storms of recovery.
3. Mental Self-Care- Engaging your mind with hobbies, learning, or creative pursuits can be a welcome distraction from intrusive thoughts. Mindfulness exercises, reading, or even puzzles can offer moments of calm.
4. Emotional Self-Care- This could be journaling, talking to a trusted friend, or spending time with your eating disorder therapist. Emotional self-care is about acknowledging your feelings - without judgment - and giving yourself permission to feel.
Often, self-care activities bridge these categories. A walk in the park, for example, can nourish your body, calm your mind, and lift your spirit all at once.
Building Self-Care Into Your Eating Disorder Treatment Plan
Here’s a roadmap to get started:
1. Audit Your Day- Where does your time go? Track your day and notice where you might have small pockets for self-care.
2. Acknowledge What You’re Already Doing- Celebrate the small wins! Maybe you’re already taking five minutes to breathe or listening to music you love.
3. Identify What Drains You- Notice which activities sap your energy. Can you delegate, minimize, or take breaks from them?
4. Start Small- Add one new self-care habit this week - something realistic and sustainable.
5. Plan for the Long-Term- As you gain confidence, carve out time for deeper self-care: therapy sessions, creative projects, or connecting with supportive communities.
A Personal Story: Finding My Own Self-Care
When my son started taking the bus to school, I suddenly had an extra hour each morning. That gift of time allowed me to move my body, reflect, and even write this blog. It’s a reminder that even small shifts in our routines can create space for self-nourishment.
Let’s Make Self-Care Non-Negotiable
If you’re seeking eating disorder treatment, remember: self-care isn’t selfish. It’s the oxygen mask you put on first so you can help others. Whether you’re working with an eating disorder therapist, joining a group, or accessing virtual therapy, self-care will help you build resilience and stay on the path to recovery.
If you’re looking for more support or want to brainstorm self-care strategies, reach out anytime. Together, we can make self-care an integral part of your healing journey.
Stay tuned for upcoming posts featuring sleep experts - because quality rest is another cornerstone of effective eating disorder therapy.
Remember: you are worthy of care, every single day.
Take care of yourself, and see you next time!
Let us support your journey by connecting with one of our eating disorder therapists in Cedar Rapids, Des Moines, or virtually anywhere in Iowa!
