Self-Compassion For Disordered Eating
Self-compassion is a powerful tool for addressing disordered eating. When we struggle with disordered eating, we often feel at war with our bodies. We’re harshly critical of ourselves, punishing ourselves for what we eat and how we look. This negativity only exacerbates our disordered eating behaviors and can lead to a cycle of shame and self-loathing.
Self-compassion offers an alternative to this cycle. Instead of judging and criticizing ourselves, self-compassion encourages us to approach ourselves with kindness, understanding, and acceptance. It involves treating ourselves like we would treat a struggling friend with warmth, patience, and encouragement.
So how can we use self-compassion to address disordered eating? Here are a few ways:
Practice mindfulness. One of the key components of self-compassion is mindfulness. By tuning in to our thoughts and feelings in the present moment, we can become more aware of our negative self-talk and self-criticism patterns. With practice, we can learn to notice these patterns without getting caught up in them, which can help us break free from the cycle of shame and self-loathing.
Be gentle with yourself. Self-compassion means treating ourselves with kindness and understanding, even when we make mistakes or fall short of our goals. Instead of beating ourselves up for eating “forbidden” food or skipping a workout, we can acknowledge that we’re only human and that making mistakes is okay.
Focus on self-care. Self-compassion also involves taking care of ourselves physically, emotionally, and mentally. This means ensuring we get enough rest, eating a balanced diet, engaging in activities that bring us joy, and seeking support when needed.
Meet & Greet negative self-talk. When we’re struggling with disordered eating, we often have a lot of negative self-talk running through our heads. We might tell ourselves we’re not good enough, that we’re weak or lazy, or that we’ll never be able to overcome our struggles. Self-compassion involves challenging and replacing these thoughts with more positive, compassionate messages.
Seek professional help. Finally, it’s important to recognize that self-compassion alone may not address disordered eating. If you’re struggling with disordered eating, seeking help from a mental health professional specializing in this area is important.
In summary, self-compassion is a powerful tool for addressing disordered eating. By practicing mindfulness, being gentle with ourselves, focusing on self-care, challenging negative self-talk, and seeking professional help, we can break free from the cycle of shame and self-loathing and move towards a more compassionate, accepting relationship with ourselves.
https://hbr.org/2018/09/give-yourself-a-break-the-power-of-self-compassion
https://www.mindful.org/the-transformative-effects-of-mindful-self-compassion/
https://positivepsychology.com/how-to-practice-self-compassion/
90 second Self-Compassion Meditation