I have struggled with an eating disorder for the past two years. Although recovery is difficult, draining, and I fight every day, the freedom and energy I have gained from proper nourishment is unparalleled. Engaging with a balanced diet and allowing yourself the foods which make you smile will make you feel confident and light up your soul. I particularly enjoy creating recipes and sharing my wins (check out my blog!)
2. Movement
This could be anything. For me, gentle yoga in the mornings, and long walks with my dog where I can interact with nature and keep my body active is enough. Exercise to feel happy and feel strong, not to change who you are. I often dance in my bedroom or garden to songs which inspire and uplift me. Trust how your body holds you when you move, trust when you body is tired. Exercise can be a really connected experience for mind and body.
3. Meditation
This is something I have implemented in my daily routine recently to practice calmness, mindfulness, and to manage emotional distress as I work on my trauma and eating disorder. There are many resources out there, meditations and mantras to apply in your life. For me, meditation has helped me remain present and relax some of the stresses and anxieties which can be otherwise consuming.
4. Reading
I try to read whenever I have time in the day, and as a form of self-care. Fiction is amazing for expressing and engaging with your creative energies. Try non-fiction books on histories which fascinate you, spaces where you look for mental health support, or topics you want to learn about. Find the time to nourish both brain and body.
5. Spend time in nature
This is a big one. As I am recovering from my disorder and putting meditation into practice, being able to recognise nature is almost a new feeling. I am noticing the space where I live with much more wonderment. It feels great to have the sun on your skin, let the rain drip from your hair, and listen to the birds without your mind consumed with day-to-day stresses. Be mindful next time you’re outdoors and appreciate the life around you.
6. Write a diary
I have been doing this for two months now. As I recover I track my meal plan and emotional triggers first, but I also keep space to express my deeper feelings. Letting out the emotions you find difficult and getting them onto paper is a great way to let go of them. Write down the experiences and relationships you love too. Writing generally is a great way to allow creativity into your life. This blog and my diary have been creatively significant for me; they are places where I can be undeniably me.
i don’t think love at first sight exists but i think you feel something. not just romantically, but when you meet anyone who’s going to be important to you…anything stronger than what you were feeling before, without even knowing it. attraction, dislike, whatever. something you might forget the next day but in that moment it’s something. like a little jolt in ur chest idk.
bold, daring and fearless; the pattern on a plain canvas from which excitement springs. guilty of being different, yet makes every effort to change. basically like Neo from the Matrix.
