Happy Valentine’s Day! This holiday is about so much more than just chocolate and romance, it’s about showing ourselves and those around us love. We should be patient and appreciate ourselves and those around us not just today, but every day.
Social pressures during Valentine’s Day can trigger emotional challenges for many. For those who are navigating eating disorder recovery, Valentine’s Day expectations can be very challenging. The pressure to purchase and share treats, indulge in elaborate meals, or meet certain beauty standards can all be triggering for folks living with an eating disorder.
Here Are Some Valentine’s Day Tips:
Focus on Self-Love
Instead of focusing on the romantic aspects and gestures of Valentine’s Day, we can use it as an opportunity to practice self-love. If we’re unable to share this day with others, it’s okay. Every day is an opportunity to be kind to ourselves and to love ourselves. We should celebrate our journey because we have come a long way.
Here are some ways we can practice this on Valentine’s Day: buy ourselves something nice, listen to our favorite podcast or catch up on that feel-good show, give ourselves an at-home spa day, cook a nice dinner, and be grateful for the good things we have in our lives.
Good Vibes Only
If your loved one is living with an eating disorder, make sure to be kind to them with your words and actions on Valentine’s Day. Show that you care and support your loved ones in ways that serve them and their well-being. Prioritize good vibes and promote self-care.
Action: If you know a topic, comment or action may be triggering to a loved one, please avoid it. Make sure to avoid it not only on Valentine’s Day but every day. This will help to create a supportive environment for your loved one. Topics that may be triggering to our loved ones include weight, shape, and appearance.
Remember:
- Today is a celebration of love. We can express love towards ourselves, our bodies, friends and family, pets, or a significant other. At the end of the day, we’re our most important Valentine!
- The holidays can be hard and it’s important to be gentle with ourselves.
- We deserve to enjoy all foods without guilt.
- If we’re craving chocolate, we can eat chocolate.
- What we eat does not define us.
How Change Creates Change Can Help
If you suspect your child or loved one is living with an eating disorder and may struggle during the holiday seasons, you can book a free 15-minute consultation call with one of our clinicians to discuss how we can help.
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