Listener’s question– How to recover from an ED when you work full-time?
“It would be awesome if you could give some tips (or maybe share your experience if you’ve had one) about trying to recover from restrictive- ED while working a full-time job. 🤔
Sometimes it is not possible to ‘always listen to your hunger cues’, ‘eat and rest’ or follow the extreme (mental) hunger… 😔 It makes me feel like I’ll never be able to fully recover …😔
But it is not possible for me to leave my job cause like everybody- I need to pay my bills, pay for my therapy session 🤗 and buy myself a lot of food, lol😂. Thank you for being here for us! xx
Gabriela”
The first part of your sentence caught my attention;
“It would be awesome if you could give some tips about trying to recover from restrictive- ED while working a full-time job.
Why do you think that particular part caught my attention…?
“TRYING”
Trying is lying (unconsciously)
I invite you to be RECOVERING not TRYING to recover. When you have that intention of a mind made up, there’s nothing more powerful.
How important is recovery to you?
Are you willing to do whatever it takes?
Are you fully committed to recovery?
Then you WILL recover no matter how challenging your life situation is. Don’t ever forget how God Damn powerful you are Queen!
Ok, so what CAN you do?
If you were project managing your recovery, what would you do?
Here are my suggestions…
- When can you eat and rest? Can you get support at home to help you to eat and rest as much as possible? Meal prep support, someone to do the shopping (or online), help with the children, going to bed earlier etc? Where can you ask for support? Passing the control over to others can help you to let go too.
2. Get as much energy in as possible – more bang for your buck. High-energy foods. Smoothies with peanut butter and melted ice cream (you can drink that at work without waiting for a break), less voluminous foods (veggies and fruits) and more dense foods such as nuts, nut butters, avocados, olive oil, cheese, dried fruits, granola.
3. Plan your meals and snacks and always have enough food with you. Eat chocolate bars/flapjacks in the toilet (not joking) “Whatever it takes.”
4. Educate your employer: If you feel comfortable, consider discussing your situation with your employer or HR department. They may be able to offer support or accommodations to help you in your recovery. People generally want to help.
5. Can you change roles or switch positions with someone so you can sit down more and expend less energy? What CAN you do to move less?
6. Can you use your holiday leave to spend as much time as possible prioritising your recovery? Can you work a few days from home?
7. Priortise YOURSELF at every opportunity. Don’t say yes to overtime. Don’t allow someone to switch your lunch break time. Make it clear (firstly to yourself) that your recovery is the most important thing in your life. Act like it is. Do everything in your power to take recovered action in every moment. Do not allow your environment to give you excuses as to not recover. YOU CAN!
“It makes me feel like I’ll never be able to fully recover …😔“
Karla fully recovered whilst working full time (10-hour days) with 3 children and used all of her savings to invest in 1:1 coaching with me. The ED made you prioritise it over everything right…? You can do the same in reverse.
“I have lived with anorexia for almost my entire life (25 years) up until 5 months ago. My life was hell. Victoria was my light in the dark, from the first moment until today she has been the main piece in my puzzle, day and night. After undergoing various psychological treatments, Victoria was the only one who made me feel seen and understood. She believed in me long before I believed in myself. My words are not enough to thank her for getting me out of the hell hole and bringing me back to life!!!”
Ultimately recovery is going against what the ED wants you to do at every moment. And it’s a moment-by-movement experience.
EG: Does the ED want you to stand up or walk somewhere? Sit down or rest if you can instead.
Does the ED want you to only eat half the sandwich? Eat the whole sandwich and then go and get a chocolate bar from the vending machine just to piss it off.
I mean there are so many fears to face and so many opportunities to grow when healing from an ED (people pleasing for one) that’s why support is essential.
Remember, recovery is possible even with a full-time job. It will be more challenging compared to someone who has the privilege to take time off from their job but don’t lose hope. Full recovery is so possible for you Gabriela.
Seek professional help, lean on support networks, ask for support in your daily life and take it one step at a time. Food freedom and body love are worth the effort. 🌟
