We know that recovering from an eating disorder is hard work. Our clients are among the bravest and strongest people we know! We also know that it can be hard to maintain hope and motivation in the trenches of battling against behaviors and urges. This is where mantras come in.
Many people struggling with eating disorders are familiar with negative-self talk, the internal narratives that tell you that you are not doing enough or you are not worth fighting for. Challenging that negative self talk and introducing alternative narratives is an important and powerful part of the recovery process. That’s why we find the use of mantras helpful for our clients. Mantras are a tool to help the way that you see and speak to yourself. Mantras can be incorporated into a regular routine, like before meals or snacks, or accessed whenever you need them.
Here are four of our favorite mantras to inspire and encourage you in your recovery journey:
4 Mantras For Eating Disorder Recovery
My Thoughts Are Not Facts
Use these mantras when your eating disorder voice is loud - this is something we talk a lot about in the Eating Disorder PATH (our 24/7 recovery-focused online community). Thoughts are reflections of your beliefs, internalized messages, and past and present influences. Thoughts can be powerful, but they are not always true. Eating disorder thoughts in particular are not rooted in reality. To challenge the eating disorder, you can fact check and reframe the thought. By reminding yourself “My thoughts are not facts,” you can begin to distance yourself from the eating disorder, reclaim your brain, and make choices that align with your healthy self.
I Am More Than My Body
These mantras will be helpful when you need some body image perspective. An eating disorder makes life small – and convinces you that you only matter if your body is also small. In reality, your body is the least interesting thing about you! When you begin to believe you are more than your body, you can begin taking up space and even existing in harmony with your body. Making peace with your body allows you to spend your energy and time on the things that really matter and make your life full.
Recovery is About Progress Not Perfection
Recovery progress is not linear. It is twisty, full of ups and downs, and messy. You will face barriers and at times might find yourself reverting to old disordered behaviors. Expecting perfection in recovery will only lead to disappointment. Instead, with self-compassion and determination, progress is showing up every day and making the next recovery minded choice.
Recovery might at times feel like drudging through thick mud, moving at a snail’s pace and each step an effort. At the moment, it might feel impossible. In the PATH, we focus specifically on "zooming out" and recognizing milestones in your recovery. So when you encounter moments of doubt, you can look back and remind yourself of all the hard work you have put in.
Nourish to Flourish
Bring out this mantras the next time your eating disorder tries to tell you that food is the enemy. Throughout the day, you have many choices to nourish either the eating disorder or your healthy self. What you nourish will grow and strengthen and flourish. By choosing to push past restrictive food rules and give your body the energy it needs, you are nourishing yourself physically as well as mentally and emotionally and investing in a fulfilling hopeful future.
interested in working with NourishRX?
At NourishRX, we understand that finding the right treatment for an eating disorder can be overwhelming. We are here to provide the right support, nutrition education, and guidance you need to reach your goals. If you're concerned about how to take a step forward with your eating disorder recovery, please don't hesitate to reach out. We offer virtual nutrition counseling for those in Massachusetts and beyond. If you're interested in working with us:
- Book an Appointment
- Learn More About Us
- Begin Your Recovery Journey!
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