Eating Disorder Recovery Fatigue: 7 Ways to Keep Moving Forward

Feeling ‘stuck’ in your eating disorder recovery is more common than you might think. You may have made significant strides, only to feel like you’ve hit a wall. Recovery fatigue is real, and keeping up the same momentum day in and day out can be incredibly challenging.

Here are some strategies to help you navigate through those rough patches:

Celebrate Your Progress

Take a moment to write down everything you’ve accomplished since starting recovery. Reflecting on the hurdles you’ve already overcome can be incredibly motivating and remind you of your strength.

Curate Your Social Media

Transform your social media feeds into a source of positivity. Unfollow or mute accounts that make you feel inadequate or remind you of your struggles. Instead, follow profiles that inspire and uplift you. These don’t only have to be recovery-based; they can be comedy accounts that make you laugh, puppy videos that warm your heart - whatever feels right for you.

Do the Opposite

When your eating disorder urges you to do something, consciously choose the opposite. If it tells you to restrict, choose to eat. If it pushes you to move, allow yourself to rest. Distract yourself from disordered thoughts and remember that discomfort is temporary and will pass.

Visualize Your Future

Make a list of everything you want to achieve through recovery, whether it’s a greater sense of happiness or specific goals. Envisioning the life you’re striving for can remind you why recovery is worth it.

Identify and Challenge Your Barriers

What’s holding you back? Fear, exhaustion, grief? Identifying these obstacles is the first step to overcoming them. Once you know what’s stopping you, you can start to address those barriers.

Place Reminders Around Your Home

Surround yourself with positive reminders—quotes, photos of loved ones, or personal mantras. Place them in key areas, like your bathroom mirror or fridge, where they can provide a boost of motivation when you need it most.

Seek Support

Don’t hesitate to reach out for help when you’re feeling stuck. Connect with your professional team, lean on family and friends, or reach out to a support group. You don’t have to face this journey alone.

If you’re looking for professional support through this process, please don’t hesitate to reach out for a free consult or book a first session to get started.

This post was inspired by the wonderful blog caras-corner.com by Cara Lisette. Check it out!