12 Ways for a Binge Eater (or anyone) to Love Yourself
Sometimes it’s really hard to not be down on yourself when you binge. Binge Eating Disorder takes away so much of the love that you should feel for yourself. It makes you feel down in the dumps and can really take away your self-esteem.
Whether you are just started bingeing, or have been binge eating for years, it’s really important to rekindle the love for yourself. After all, we are all works in progress and we should never give up on the most important relationship, which is the one with ourself.
Here are 12 ways you can constantly improve the relationship and love for yourself:
1. Create healthy boundaries.
Learn to say no when you need to. Put yourself and your feelings first when you can.
2. Spend time alone and get to know yourself.
You just might surprise yourself with what you discover!
3. Practice positive self-talk.
Don’t let negative feelings make you feel bad. This can especially happen after a binge. Guilty feelings set in and we become all about bringing ourselves down to the lowest level. Surprise yourself once after bingeing and don’t do this. Yes you binged, but no, it doesn’t have to ruin and take over the rest of your day. Let it go with good self-talk.
4. Do things that excite you and make you happy.
When you are happy, you might be less likely to binge.
5. Practice forgiveness.
There’s no room for growth when you hold grudges… And we all need growth to continue to love ourselves.
6. Let your emotions flow.
Whether it’s anger, happiness, or sadness, let yourself experience this emotion so you can get it off your chest and move on. When we keep things bottled inside of us, a binge is more apt to happen.
7. Honor yourself.
Instead of being aware of your flaws, practice encouraging, supporting, and praising yourself. It’s no fun to always be down on yourself!
8. Give your body the recognition it deserves.
Look at all the things you can do because of your body. Think of all the things you’d be missing out on without it - Laughing, smiling, falling in love, playing, being passionate about something, and all of your emotions. Basically we would all be like robots without our mind, body, and spirit… and who wants to be robotic and emotionless?
9. Know the truth about yourself and believe only that.
Often times we create scenarios and lies about ourselves that just aren’t true. Be aware of the times you do this and only let yourself believe the truth. Remember, the truth will always set you free!
10. Speak up for yourself.
Constructive criticism is always good, but when it becomes more hurtful and hateful, take a stand. You don’t deserve that and you need to let the person know otherwise. Think of how empowering it would feel to give yourself the respect you deserve.
11. Stop trying to achieve perfection.
It’s great to always want to be better at something, but being perfect is overrated. It will cause you to never be happy with yourself because it will look like you are constantly failing. No one is perfect and no one will ever be able to achieve the “perfect” status. Ever. There is always room for growth and learning more. Never be too close-minded that you forget this.
12. Just be yourself.
We are all different. Some of us have certain strengths where others might not be as strong… And this is okay. It’s what makes you different and unique from others. Let the person you really are shine through and never hold back. It’s just not worth living a life that isn’t you!
Really good advice, espcially establishing habits of forgiving people, (especially ourselves) over and over again, honoring yourself and letting go of being perfect! Loving ourselves is a huge key to stop binge eating. Then you can start on an upward spiral.