An eating disorder is a serious mental illness that can have long-term, negative impacts on physical and emotional health. Avalon Hills, a residential treatment center for people with eating disorders, is committed to helping individuals learn to cope with the symptoms of their condition while developing healthy habits and attitudes around food, nutrition, and body image. One of the most rewarding parts of recovery is seeing the progress our patients make when they leave the center and embark on their new life after treatment.
Setting Realistic Goals
The first step in reentering life after an eating disorder residential program is setting realistic goals for yourself. This can include simple things like making sure you’re getting enough sleep every night or incorporating nutritious foods into your diet, as well as larger projects such as advocating for better health care services or pursuing educational opportunities. Taking time to reflect on what’s most important to you can help you create tangible steps toward achieving those goals.
Managing Stress without Relying on Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms
Managing stress is an essential part of any recovery program. It’s important to practice self-care regularly and be mindful of things that could trigger unhealthy responses like disordered eating behaviors or substance abuse. Developing healthy coping skills such as exercise, yoga, joining a support group, or talking through issues with a therapist are all good tools for managing stress after treatment.
Maintaining Balanced Nutrition Habits
Recovery from an eating disorder often means relearning how to properly nourish your body by consuming balanced meals with appropriate amounts of protein, carbohydrates and fats. Incorporating regular physical activity into your lifestyle can also help maintain healthier habits moving forward. Getting back into a routine that supports physical activity – such as going for walks or engaging in moderate sports activities – will increase your energy levels and improve overall well-being too.
Connecting With Other People in Recovery
Finally, forming meaningful relationships with other people in recovery can be incredibly beneficial after leaving a residential rehabilitation treatment center. Not only do these support networks provide companionship during tough times but they also serve as valuable sources of hope when things get especially hard; knowing that someone else has gone through similar experiences gives us strength to face whatever comes up next in our personal journey towards recovery.
At Avalon Hills, we understand how daunting life after treatment may seem; however, it doesn’t have to be scary! With patience and commitment you’ll find that there are many benefits to leading a healthy lifestyle free from disordered eating behaviors – from feeling more energized throughout your day-to-day tasks to improved self-esteem – so if you or a loved one has been considering residential eating disorder treatment, we encourage you to take advantage of this incredible opportunity for change!