Having to cope with an eating disorder at Easter can be so hard. When I was recovering from an eating disorder, I remember searching the web and couldn’t find anything on how to cope during Easter. I don’t want that to be the same for anyone else which is why I’m creating this blog post! I hope this is somewhat helpful if you are struggling ❤
*I’m not an expert, this post is based on what has helped me.
Related post: Coping with an eating disorder at Christmas
Plan some self-care activities
It’s really important that you take care of yourself. Setting some time aside to do something you enjoy is good. You might want this to be scheduled into your day or it could be a back-up plan if you needed some alone time. For me, Easter isn’t as busy as Christmas but I definitely understand wanting some time to recuperate!
Related post: 100 distractions for when you’re having a bad day
Focus on other things
If you’re not religious (or even if you are), Easter eggs seem like the main event. But they don’t have to be. Think of it as a time to relax and take a break from work, you could even do some Easter-themed crafts. Maybe a spring wreath, paint eggs, spring garland etc.
I hate when people say ‘think of the positives’ so I won’t say that…but flowers blooming/blossoming is something that has always encouraged me. I love a good flower/plant quote.
Don’t put too much pressure on yourself
If this Easter you are planning on having an Easter egg, I’m so proud of you and you’ve got this! But if it isn’t, I’m equally proud of you. It is really important to challenge your fear foods but I also think it’s important that you don’t push yourself too far/too much at once. I hope that doesn’t sound too confusing!
If you don’t want an Easter egg, maybe see if you can have something else/a smaller one? One of my friends used to get a film at Easter instead of an egg (not anything to do with an ED, just personal preference).
This is your reminder: you don’t need to restrict at Easter
Your eating disorder might be telling you to restrict. Ignore it. Honour your cravings! Eating is an essential requirement and just because you’re eating an Easter treat, does not mean that you should restrict. Restricting your intake can lead to binging later on in the day, as well as making you more irritable. Eating disorders do an amazing job at manipulating you to believe whatever they are saying is right. You don’t need to feel guilty for eating.
Stick to your usual routine
Like I said at Christmas, sticking to your usual routine just makes coping that bit easier! Having a routine is something that always helps me & has definitely helped me stay rooted throughout the past year.
Try to eat at your usual meal times. If it will help, you could plan your meals ahead so that you don’t even need to think about it. This will also reduce the chance of you restricting as it will have already been chosen.
I have designed my own meal & snacks planner, simply subscribe to my newsletter to receive it!
Use a helpline
If you are feeling lonely or you need some support, don’t hesitate to call/text a helpline. It is possible that they might be busier over Easter but there are lots of websites & charities that you can try. If you need someone to talk to, you can always DM me on Instagram or Twitter 😉
Samaritans – 116 123
I hope this has helped you feel a bit better about Easter.
Do you have any other tips that might help others?
Best wishes, Cx
So brave of you to post about this! Really hope things only get easier :))) xx
Thank you! x
Great suggestions! I’d also recommend asking a friend or family member for help – they could distract you or ensure you stick to your usual eating schedule.
Such an important idea <3
This really opened my eyes to something I didn’t even know was an issue but seems so obvious now I read it. Thank you for posting this to give people more support, but to also help raise awareness.
Thank you, I’m glad it’s helped you to understand <3 x
These are great suggestions! I feel like Easter isn’t as much of a focus compared to Christmas or thanksgiving, but it’s still a day that can be triggering for some
Thanks x
It’s so important to have these conversations. Even the smallest of holidays seems to have some sort of food focus to them, don’t they? I so agree with not putting pressure on yourself. That is something that can spiral me into an unhealthy thought pattern. I find that journaling is a really helpful way for me to process through thoughts and feelings.
Agreed. Love journalling! x
These are all great suggestions! Thank you so much for sharing your experience and tips to other people taht might find this time challenging x
Thank you 🙂
These are awesome tips. I am glad you are sharing this as I glad to learn about ways I can help others and be more aware.
That’s great to hear 🙂 x
This is a wonderful post, thank you for sharing your experiences as well as your suggestions and tips for others! Thanks for sharing.
Thank you 🙂 x
You have given some great suggestions, especially buy that makes you happy. Writing a letter to yourself before the holiday starts about your feelings might help.
Thanks for sharing your personnel experience.
Thank you, that’s such a good idea!x
These are great tips for everyone. I’ve been thinking for a while about easter and how much we’ll have to eat and I’m glad I read your article. I’ll keep it in mind 🙂
Thank you, I hope you’re doing ok <3
These are some great tips! One of my best friends had an eating disorder for years, and she found just thinking about something else for a bit sooo helpful! So we’d play Tetris while we ate so she didn’t have to think about it!
Katie | katieemmabeauty.com
I totally relate! x
I’m sure a lot of people will find this very helpful right now. Especially around times like Easter and Christmas where food is a big part of the traditions x
Thank you x
Great blog! I love and agree with all your points! Especially the one about not putting yourself under too much pressure!
Thank you 🙂
This is so important. It’s really sweet that when you found that there wasn’t any info on the internet that was helpful, you decided to fill that gap yourself so that others wouldn’t have such a hard time in the future. Thank you for sharing this ❤️
Thank you xx
Great post, gal! Love how you felt you couldn’t find any resources for Easter so you went ahead and created one for other people xx
Lynn | https://www.lynnmumbingmejia.com
Thank you x
This are great tips and will definitely help so many people. Sometimes you just have to focus on yourself and the things you can do to get you through certain events and celebrations.
So true, thank you x