How to Enjoy Valentine's Day When You're in Recovery From an Eating Disorder
The arrival of Valentine’s Day can have many different meanings for different people. Some may look forward to the holiday, thinking of the time to spend with their significant others, while others may look forward to spending time with loved ones or surrounding themselves with friends. Others may try to ignore the holiday altogether, thinking of the day as simply February 14th or just another Tuesday. Whichever way you choose to think about the day, Valentine’s Day can be stressful, especially for those in recovery.
Valentine’s Day can often be difficult to ignore, largely due to the copious amounts of themed decor lining the isles of every grocery store or pharmacy. People often associate the holiday with giving or receiving sweets, such as chocolates or decorated cookies, or taking their significant other’s or friends out to dinner or brunch. Many of these food-centered activities may feel difficult to navigate while in eating disorder recovery.
Despite these challenges, there are steps you can take to lessen your stress on Valentine’s Day:
Focus on Yourself
Spend this Valentine’s Day focusing on yourself and the things that bring you joy. Often it can feel as though the day needs to be spent with a significant other, but practicing self-care and self-love during this time may be a way to still enjoy the holiday without feeling too overwhelmed. Valentine’s Day may bring up self-critical or triggering thoughts, so it is important to remember to be kind to yourself and focus on gratitude during this time. Despite what is often stereotyped in the media, Valentine’s Day should be focused on you!
Surround yourself with trusted support
Having plans for Valentine’s Day doesn’t always have to be romantic, and surrounding yourself with trusted friends or family can help you focus more on your relationships with the people you care about. Try making plans for the day and partake in activities you enjoy, and having your support group around will help if anything starts to feel too overwhelming.
No Bad Foods
With copious amounts of chocolate boxes and pink and red candies or treats, Valentine’s Day can often feel centered around different sweets and treats. Remember that there is no such thing as “good” or “bad” food and that it is okay to give yourself permission to have a piece of chocolate or another treat if it makes you happy.
Valentine’s Day may feel like a challenging time if you are recovering from an eating disorder, but there are things you can do to avoid triggers and still enjoy the holiday if you choose to celebrate. Remembering to focus on yourself and your own self-love is important and is the best way to spend the day.
References
Gerhardt, L. (2020, February 14). Valentine’s Day While in Recovery from an Eating Disorder. Center For Discovery. https://centerfordiscovery.com/blog/valentines-day-while-in-recovery/
multi. (2020, February 14). Tips for Navigating Valentine’s Day While in ED Recovery. Behavioral Nutrition. https://behavioralnutrition.org/navigating-valentines-day-in-ed-recovery/
Recovering from an Eating Disorder on Valentine’s Day. (2019, February 11). Center For Discovery. https://centerfordiscovery.com/blog/eating-disorder-and-valentines-day/
Writer, S. (2022, February 14). How to Enjoy Valentine’s Day When You’re in Recovery from an Eating Disorder. Eating Disorder Hope. https://www.eatingdisorderhope.com/blog/how-to-enjoy-valentines-day-when-youre-in-recovery-from-an-eating-disorder