Every January we are bombarded with marketing about New Year's resolutions. However, is the annual "New Year, New You" ritual actually causing more harm than good? Typically, New Year's resolutions are related to eating, weight or shape, with the most common resolutions being:
1) to diet or eat healthier
2) to exercise more
3) to lose weight
However, less than half of people are able to stick to their New Year's resolutions resulting in increased frustration, low mood and even feelings of worthlessness. For someone with an eating disorder, the impacts can be much more serious. For those who don't have an eating disorder, commencing the New Year diet may actually lead to the development of an eating disorder!
For many, New Year's resolutions provide a sense of purpose, a refresh or restart from what may have been a difficult or disappointing year prior. So, giving them up entirely may be too much of an ask at this time. So, what should you do instead?
The key is to be thoughtful in how you construct your resolutions. Remove the focus from weight or diet, and instead focus on nourishment, self-compassion, self-care, time with friends and family, new hobbies and new adventures.
And, if you are struggling with an eating disorder, consider focusing your New Year's resolutions on recovery goals or detoxing your social media feed so that you are surrounding yourself with information that makes you feel good about you.
If you or someone you love is struggling with an eating disorder or a negative relationship with food or with self, book an appointment today.