School is out, the sun is shining and you finally get some time to relax!
But, when summer starts, routine and structure are usually the first things to fly right out the door. As you navigate eating disorder recovery, this can cause some added stress. Insert: a summer schedule.
How Can A Summer Schedule Help?
Maintaining a schedule when things feel more relaxed can help keep you on the path to recovery by serving as a tool to support your goals without letting anything fall through the cracks.
It’s also a way to insert some flexibility into your day. While your days no longer have to be filled with geometry and calculus (unless that’s your thing) you are left with the ability to find the things that you enjoy and connect with your true self! Let’s dive in more below.
5 Ways to Create a Summer Schedule:
Set an alarm every morning
Let’s be honest, we all know how nice it is to sleep in after having to wake up early for school every day. However, at what point does it become too much? Sleeping in and missing most of the morning can cause you to be off track with consistent nourishment which can add additional stress later in the day. By setting an alarm each morning, you are committing to starting your day in a productive way!
Create a To Do List
Start your day with intention! It is very easy to let the day pass you by without feeling like you accomplished the goals you had set for yourself. Writing down what you would like to accomplish each day will help bring you back to your goals when you feel you have strayed.
This can be a great place to insert recovery-focused items such as: meals, snacks, logging on Recovery Record, checking in with a support person, engaging in a section of the Eating Disorder PATH, etc.
Follow your meal plan or stick to a meal structure
Without having the consistent schedule that school often provides, it can be difficult to stay on top of your meals and snacks throughout the day.
Work with your dietitian to create structured meal times or a meal plan that works best for you as you navigate your new summer schedule. If you are finding it difficult to stick to your plan, try writing down your meal plan/schedule and leaving it in your kitchen or having a picture saved on your phone.
If you feel that setting reminders for yourself on your phone would be helpful, you can always give that a try as well.
Create a summer bucket list
Summer is the time to have fun and try new things! If there are new things you want to experience, make a plan! Create a list of things you would like to do this summer and start planning out how you can make it happen. Find a friend or family member to participate in the activity to help hold yourself accountable!
Maintain a consistent bed-time:
With so much going on over the summer and schedules being more lax, it is easy to lose track of time and stay up late. Give yourself a time frame that you would like to go to bed each night and stick to it. This will help you get a good night's sleep and refresh for the next day.
Structure is key!
Summer is a great time to relax and have fun with friends and family. Just remember, having a summer schedule while still enjoying everything the season has to offer is extremely important in keeping you on track with your recovery.
At NourishRX, we are here to help you stay on track with your goals while having a great summer. We proudly offer services in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Connecticut, California, Colorado, Montana, Nevada, Virginia and Vermont. Reach out to us to see how we can support you through 1:1 counseling or our companion services. Especially the Eating Disorder PATH or Jumpstart Course for Parents and Caregivers.
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