Two of the most central building blocks to recovery are structure and support, so we will look at these together in the seventh and final article in this series of formulas for living in recovery. Structure To create a structure around your recovery, have a clear plan and schedule for your recovery activities. For example: […]
7 Formulas for Living in Recovery #6 – Incorporating the Family
They say that addiction is a family disease, and food addiction is no exception. Addiction and recovery both happen in the context of a family system. Changing that dynamic requires delving into each person’s family of origin. This is not about blame, but it is about recognizing each person’s part in contributing to the eating […]
7 Formulas for Living in Recovery #5: Validation
We’ve been exploring my favorite formulas for living in recovery, and today’s concept is simple but not easy. Validation means giving yourself and others the reassurance that what you think and feel is okay. It says that no matter how things turn out, your emotions are valid. This can be a welcome relief for those […]
7 Formulas for Living in Recovery #4: Accepting Discomfort
Recovery includes discomfort. Accept that. If it were that easy, no one would be in treatment or therapy for addiction, they would simply decide to recover and make it happen. Along with the willingness to seek help, must come the ability to tolerate and endure discomfort and change. When you’re in recovery from an eating […]
7 Formulas for Living in Recovery #3: The Continuum
Whatever the issue in life, we are all on a continuum between extremes, and we may shift to different points along that line at any given moment. This awareness really helps to diffuse all-or-nothing thinking. Instead of seeing yourself as all good, or not good at all, it’s about placing somewhere along that path between […]
7 Formulas for Living in Recovery #2: Building Blocks
Over the next several weeks, I’ll be presenting my seven favorite formulas for living in recovery, so you can take a cross training approach to your recovery from an eating disorder. Today’s formula is to see life – and recovery – as a series of building blocks. The ultimate example of this concept is the […]
7 Formulas for Living in Recovery #1: Try It On
In the spirit of cross training for recovery from eating disorders, I will be sharing seven formulas that you can mix and match in a variety of situations. They are personal favorites that I’ve used myself, taught to clients, and passed along to other professionals. Try It On When we’re not happy with how something […]
Cross Training for Recovery
When people work out and exercise, cross training is used to make sure the entire body gets a comprehensive workout, and to avoid injuries from focusing too much on one body part or repetitive motions. In yoga, the concept of yin and yang promotes a similar type of balance. Yoga is an important part of […]