As someone who has personally struggled with an eating disorder, I can attest to the importance of affirmations in the recovery process. Affirmations are positive statements that we can say to ourselves to challenge negative thoughts and beliefs. When it comes to eating disorder recovery, affirmations can help us to build self-esteem, challenge distorted body image, and promote a healthy relationship with food.
In the depths of my eating disorder, I was plagued by negative self-talk. I would constantly berate myself for eating certain foods, not exercising enough, and not being thin enough. These thoughts only reinforced my disordered behaviors and kept me stuck in a cycle of shame and guilt. It wasn’t until I started incorporating affirmations into my daily routine that I began to see a shift in my mindset.
One of the most powerful affirmations that I use is “I am worthy of love and respect, no matter my size or shape.” This statement challenges the societal pressures to conform to a certain body type and reminds me that my worth as a person is not determined by my appearance. Saying this affirmation regularly has helped me to build self-esteem and cultivate a more positive body image.
Courage does not always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, ‘I will try again tomorrow.’
Mary Anne Radmacher
Another affirmation that has been helpful for me is “Food is not the enemy; it is nourishment for my body.” As someone with an eating disorder, I often viewed food as something to be feared and avoided. This affirmation helps me to reframe my relationship with food and view it as a source of fuel and nourishment rather than something to be restricted or controlled.
Affirmations can also be helpful in challenging distorted thoughts and beliefs. For example, if I find myself thinking “I’m so fat,” I can counter that thought with the affirmation “My worth is not determined by my size or shape.” By challenging these negative thoughts with positive affirmations, I am able to break the cycle of negative self-talk and build a more positive and empowering mindset.
It’s important to note that affirmations alone are not a cure for eating disorders. Recovery is a complex and multifaceted process that often requires professional support and a combination of different therapies and treatments. However, affirmations can be a powerful tool to complement other aspects of treatment and support the recovery process.
Incorporating affirmations into your daily routine can be as simple as repeating a few statements to yourself in the morning or before bed. You can also write them down and post them in visible places as a reminder throughout the day. It may feel awkward or uncomfortable at first, especially if you are used to negative self-talk, but with practice, affirmations can become a natural and empowering part of your daily routine.
If you’re struggling with an eating disorder, I encourage you to give affirmations a try. They may not be a magic solution, but they can be a powerful tool in promoting self-esteem, positive body image, and a healthy relationship with food. Remember, you are worthy of love and respect, no matter your size or shape, and recovery is possible.
For more affirmations that might help you along your recovery journey, visit “20 Affirmations for Eating Disorder Recovery” by Nourishrx. This post gives 20 affirmations that can be a transformative part of your recovery if you let them be and if you let them change you from the inside out.