12 Days of Recovery
Are you able to commit to 12 days of recovery that will support your fight against ED?
On the first day of recovery, I give myself permission to commit to 12 days of recovery
Through the next 12 days, anxiety may increase, and ED may get louder, that is okay and to be expected. Eating disorders restrict us from having a full life, today complete the journal prompt, what would a full life look like for you, and how is it different from the life you are living now? How does an eating disorder keep you from living a full life? When completing this prompt, think about different areas in your life that are affected by ED, social, emotional, physical, financial, environmental, occupational, intellectual, and spiritual.
On the second day of recovery, I will practice self-compassion
Today, speak kindly to yourself. Being human comes with imperfections, mistakes, and weaknesses, as well as strengths, progress, and success, it is okay to accept every part of yourself. We get one chance at life, why spend it trying to be someone else when you were made to be YOU! If you struggle with self-compassion, ask yourself, “what would I say to a friend?”
On the third day of recovery, I will choose to live in the present moment
Anxiety exists in the past and future, worrying about things we cannot change and cannot control often consumes our time and take us away from living at the moment. Today, anchor yourself to the present moment, when you find your mind wondering, let those thoughts drift by like clouds in the sky, bring your attention back to what matters most at that moment. On this day, choose an activity to immerse yourself in, let that be your anchor, let that bring you joy. Maybe it is something related to the holiday season, maybe it is something you haven’t allowed yourself to do in a while or haven’t made time for, today is the day to make that time.
On the fourth day of recovery, I will connect with my family or friends
Try to spend time with a loved one today, who in your life brings you joy and happiness? Human connection is the opposite of an eating disorder.
On the fifth day of recovery, I will practice self-care
What is your favorite self-care activity? Can you make time for it today, whether it is for five minutes or an hour? Any time spent towards self-care is time well spent.
On the sixth day of recovery, I will speak kindly to my body
We only get one body, does bullying yourself really help? Can you identify neutral statements about your body? For example, “I have a human stomach”
On the seventh day of recovery, I will treat my body with respect
It can be unrealistic for many to get to the point of “I love my body” on the body image spectrum, we at least want to achieve body respect. Body respect can look like many different things, it is honoring your body’s needs and cravings, trusting it to guide you through life, and caring for it unconditionally. Today, show your body respect in a way ED does not allow you to. Body respect still shows up on days we are struggling with our body image. Would you deprive someone else if they were struggling?
On the eighth day of recovery, I will nourish my body
Are you able to provide your body with meals and snacks, including a variety of food groups? Can you take one extra bite today? One bite at a time and one step at a time towards recovery, you will get farther than you think.
On the ninth day of recovery, I will ask for help
No longer suffer in silence, ask someone in your life for support today. There is strength in vulnerability.
On the tenth day of recovery, I will act with “love”
Love is an emotion we feel that guides our actions towards others and ourselves. Today, choose an action that strengthens love in your love, it can be a romantic love, platonic love, familial love, or self-love. An eating disorder is an isolating illness and often leads us to choosing ED above love. Today, choose a form of love above ED.
On the eleventh day of recovery, I will enjoy my favorite holiday fun food
Give yourself unconditional permission to enjoy your favorite festive food without guilt, engage all your senses, what does it look, smell, feel, and taste like? Sit back and enjoy!
On the twelfth day of recovery, I will file for divorce
YAY! You made it to day 12, way to go! Having an eating disorder is like being in an abusive relationship, can you file for divorce and continue separating from ED? Complete the document provided here, Divorce Decree from Ed by Jenni Schaefer. Not ready to take this step, that is 100% okay, talk to your therapist or call us today, we will help get you there. The journey is not easy, but it is worth it, you deserve a full life.
By Nicholette Rhodes, LPC
Nicholette is a Licensed Professional Counselor at The Hull Institute, where she joined after a year of student experience. She holds a master’s in clinical Mental Health Counseling from Malone University and is also a Registered Dietitian, having earned her BA in Applied Science from Youngstown State University. With lived experience of an eating disorder as a college athlete, Nicholette provides individualized, holistic care using person-centered approaches, including motivational interviewing, CBT, and ACT techniques. She is passionate about challenging diet culture and promoting a Health at Every Size philosophy. Outside of work, Nicholette enjoys spending time with loved ones, playing golf, and cooking.