How to stay motivated in eating disorder recovery
You’ve probably heard a million times that recovery is not linear. There’s ups and downs and everything in between. It’s also natural for motivation to wax and wane.
So knowing that recovery is not linear, and slips are almost inevitable, how do we stay motivated even when we feel like giving up?
It doesn’t matter if you fall (or slip or relapse), what matters is that you pick yourself up and choose recovery again. You didn’t choose your eating disorder, but you do need to choose recovery in order to heal.
I slipped up so many times in my recovery that I truly doubted whether or not I would ever get better. Now, I’m so thankful I continued to choose recovery, no matter how many times I hit rock bottom (and it was a lot).
So if you’re feeling a little stuck, losing motivation, or it feels like recovery is never-ending, here are some ways to help you stay motivated and continue to choose recovery (even when it’s hard).
Ask yourself why you want to recover.
Why did you choose recovery? What do you want your life to look like in 10, 20, or 30 years? Will your eating disorder help you get to the life you want or will it get you farther away from it?
Make a list of all the reasons why you want to recover. Keep adding to it during your recovery and be sure to look back on it when you’re struggling.
Write a letter from your future recovered self to your present day self.
I wrote a letter like this and kept it in my recovery box (along with lots of other resources and the list of all the reasons why I wanted to recover). It helped so much when I was feeling defeated.
Imagine what your life looks like when you’re recovered. Write a letter from your future self explaining that your choices today directly impact your future self.
Make decisions today that will help you get to the recovered life you want.
Think about a time when you were feeling really motivated. What or who helped you get there?
Ask yourself what is getting in the way of recovery - is it fear of weight gain, a fear of getting better, or perhaps you’re not ready to let go of your eating disorder self?
Think about the thoughts you’re telling yourself and journal or talk about it with a trusted friend or your treatment team.
And if you’re looking for more support, think about adding an eating disorder recovery coach to your team!
Write about the pros and cons of staying the same vs. changing.
Yes, your eating disorder serves a purpose, but is that purpose worth the risk it poses to your life and your future? Explore what you have to gain if you recover, and what you have to lose if you don’t.
Think about one small step you can take today that is in line with your recovery.
If you’re feeling stuck and not really sure how to move forward, think about one small step you can make today to help you get back on track. The goal is one small win. So what small recovery win can you accomplish today?
Maybe it’s having that snack you’ve been avoiding. Or that recovery assignment your treatment team gave you. Or maybe it’s reaching out for support. Whatever it is, do something today that is in line with your recovery goals and that helps give you a sense of accomplishment (beyond your eating disorder).
I know recovery is tough. It is without a doubt the hardest thing I’ve ever done. It’s also something I’m incredibly proud of, and I’m so thankful to be on the other side of my eating disorder.
I know you can recover too, so keep choosing recovery today. I’ll be over here rooting for you!
Hey there, I’m Lizzie, a CCI Certified Eating Disorder Recovery Coach working with clients virtually worldwide. I help individuals heal their relationship with food and their bodies through day-to-day behavior changes and goal setting.
