20 Things To Do Instead Of Your Eating Disorder

When I share about eating disorders with people who haven’t
experienced them I wish that I could build empathy for the fact that  this addiction takes over your entire life. A
person with an eating disorder is so enthralled in it that they lose touch with
reality, forgetting the things they love and enjoy. When I was working at the
Victorian it was especially difficult to help the women remember the things
they loved, due to depression playing a part in the disease. I often encouraged
the women to make a list of 20 things they could do instead of  starving, binging and purging. Their lists
were always beautiful variations, showing each women’s gifts and talents.

Today, the Victorian
blog brings you some creative, fun and healthy ideas for your own recovery.
Feel free to tweak some of these ideas to better suit your gifting.

1.)   Beach walks – If you’re blessed enough to be in Newport
Beach like us, the beach is a great place to go for a mellow walk. Take in some
vitamin D and enjoying the beautiful ocean

2.)   Bike Rides– We love our boardwalk in Newport
Beach! Bike rides down the peninsula are the best! Whether with friends or not
a bike ride always gets endorphins flowing!

3.)   Blogging –Whether it’s commenting on someone
else’s creative blog or starting your own, eating disordered women are known to
very creative and quick witted writers!

4.) Bubble Bath’s– Fill up the tub, light some
candles and soak up some self care surrounded by bubbles!

5.)   Calling friends– Sometimes just checking in to
ask a friend“How are you?” Can completely change their day. Many of us have
friends who are also struggling with an eating disorder. Giving a random call
just to say hello can help someone tremendously.

6.)   Coffee Dates– The Newport locals love Alta
Coffee which is just a block down from the Victorian. Bring a book or a friend
to a coffee shop and soak in the joyful energy of others caffeine affecianados!
Pick the right coffee shop and enjoy some art too!

7.)   Crocheting + Knitting – Such a thearapeutic,
rhythmic skill! Make scarves and blankets for the ones you love while you watch
your favorite chick flicks!

8.)
Dog Walking – Who doesn’t love pups? Ask your
friends that work if you can help them out by walking their pup during the day
while their at work!

9.)   Gardening – What woman doesn’t love flowers?!
Enjoy flowers every day by staring your own little flower garden! Seeds, dirt,
water and a little internet research and you’re green thumb will start to
ripen!

10.)   Hiking– I am always in gratitude whenever I am on a hike. Realizing that I am blessed
to be healthy enough to use my body to
enjoy the beauty of nature is an incredible feeling. Take some friends with you
and make it a day trip!

11.) Kayaking
– Take a friend with you to enjoy the fun! Locally we have the Newport Aquatic
Center for all nautical needs!

12.) Jewelry
Making– Whether it’s beads or jewels, you can build such an appreciation for
jewelry once you try to make it!

13.) Journaling
– So therapeutic.

14.) Recovery  Meetings – I have never left a 12 Step meeting without
feeling better than when I entered the room. Meetings are a place of growth and
reflection for us all.

15.) Movie
Days– Get some movies  and don’t forget
your Snuggie and head on over to the couch!

16.) Painting
– Whether it’s your bedroom walls, a canvas or your nails, painting is a very
cathartic action that gives the painter a calming feeling.

17.) Photography
– Cannon, Nikon, Toy camera or disposable, capture the world through your new
eyes in recovery.

18.) Reading – Save some buckaroo’s and check out
your local library!

19.) Volunteering– Find a local non-profit that interests you and volunteer with them

20.) Writing– Share your sassy, classy and poignant observations in print