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Setting Realistic New Year’s Resolutions

Wednesday, Dec 23  •  

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The New Year is right around the corner, as is the pressure to start fresh and create goals that bring change. The New Year is often a time of reflection, and with that often comes a desire to either change current patterns or start something new entirely. Whether it is saving a specific amount of money, working towards a promotion, checking off bucket list adventures, or trying to lose weight, these goals may be more detrimental to your eating disorder recovery than you may think. 

Generally, New Year’s resolutions are often centered around weight loss, exercise, dieting, and improving your image. These goals, however, quickly die within a few weeks or months into the New Year. Setting specific standards potentially creates a sense of failure, which can lead to feelings of guilt. Resolutions often demand perfectionism, and this is a dangerous trend for individuals in eating disorder recovery. Although New Year’s resolutions are not inherently bad, being mindful of the expectations and goals you set for yourself is a huge component of recovery. 

As the new year approaches, avoid making resolutions that deal with relapse, weight, or dieting. Setting goals that revolve around your eating disorder can make relapse a realistic setback in your recovery. If you do engage in eating disorder habits, this creates an unhealthy failure mentality. Setting a goal weight or goal clothing size is also a dangerous resolution that should not be practiced. A simple rule of thumb is to avoid specific goals, avoid numbers, and avoid checklists. 

The following are New Year’s resolutions that can help you succeed in your eating disorder recovery without potentially setting yourself up for failure. 

  • To love and respect your body and mind. 
  • To treat yourself with kindness and appreciate the things your body can do for you. 
  • Find a new hobby. 
  • To take care of yourself, before anything or anyone else. 
  • Ask for help when you need it. 
  • Be grateful for the little things you have in your life. 
  • Meet new friends who support you and will bring positivity into your life. 

An essential part of bettering yourself is recognizing when you are suffering from unhealthy habits. If you or someone you love is exhibiting signs and symptoms of an eating disorder, don’t be afraid to reach out for help. To get in touch with our Admissions representatives, please click here.

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