Holidays can be a time filled with joy and meaning and can be something we look forward to.
For someone in ED recovery, holidays have the potential to be all those things. They can also unfortunately be a time that brings out stress and anxiety. In the coming months, there are a number of Jewish holidays back to back and that can be difficult for someone in ED recovery.
Here are some tips and strategies to navigate eating disorders in the Jewish community during the holidays to reduce some of the stress, leaving room for joy and meaning.
1. Talk to your treatment team
Inform the members of your treatment team of the upcoming holiday. Don’t wait for them to bring it up or assume they will. Be proactive and bring it up so they can help make a plan on how to navigate things.
2. Get support from loved ones
Try to find a friend or family member who knows where you are on your recovery journey and can be there for you if you’re struggling. Reach out to them as needed so you don’t feel alone.
3. Focus on the meaning of the holiday
Although food is a big focus of the holiday, it is not the main or only focus. Try to focus on the meaning of the holidays by taking part in holiday traditions, spending time with family and attending any relevant holiday services.
4. Plan ahead
Try to plan a meal and snack schedule or structure that works with the holiday schedule prior to the holiday. Of course, planning everything precisely could be difficult given the holiday is not so structured but having a tentative plan could go a long way in helping relieve stress.
5. Avoid comparisons
Try not to compare your eating habits to those around you. Remember, you are on your own journey and need to do your best to follow through on your recovery goals. If others are not eating a snack and it is on your meal plan, you still need to eat a snack.
6. Ensure your goals are realistic
Think through your goals and plans for the holiday and try to ensure they are realistic. It is okay to say no to things if it is too difficult. The main thing is to enjoy the holiday while staying focused on recovery.
7. Self Care
This one might not come to mind so quickly but it is actually very important. Since holidays can be stressful for someone in ED recovery, prioritizing self care is necessary.Try to take time for yourself to relax and enjoy the holiday. If it’s difficult for you to handle down time, try to prepare mentally to enjoy that down time with friends and family.
Final Thoughts on Navigating Eating Disorders in the Jewish Community During the Holidays
As the holidays approach, let’s focus on spending time with loved ones, participating in holiday rituals and creating meaningful memories. Following some or all the suggestions above, can make it easier for someone in ED recovery to do these things and can help to make the holiday experience a positive one. Of course, it is hard work but it will be worth it.
For those who are not in recovery and have loved ones that are, do your part to be mindful of the conversation topics. Stay away from discussing diets, weights and bodies. Try to be supportive of those around you so that everyone can enjoy the holiday together.
Contact Us
Courage to Nourish is a group of eating disorder specialized dietitians. We have in person locations in Alexandria, Virginia, Columbia, Maryland and College Park, Maryland. We offer virtual services across the state of Virginia, Washington DC, Pennsylvania, and Colorado. We offer individual nutrition therapy. As well as support groups. We would love to guide you in building a better relationship with food.
Contact us for more information. And to schedule a discovery call. Also, sign up for our client or clinician newsletter!
Take one of our eating disorder quizzes:
I previously worked at an eating disorder treatment center and have experience in various levels of care including outpatient. I joined Courage to Nourish so I can pursue my passion for dismantling diet culture and reducing weight stigma. I enjoy working with all individuals and particularly enjoy working with pregnant/postpartum clients and adults struggling to break free from bingeing, restricting, or diet culture. I’m a great listener, patient, compassionate, and aim to meet my clients where they’re at in recovery. I would love to work with you!
