It is not too late to counteract the negative messages that we may be telling ourselves. For people with eating disorders, one of the best ways to diminish negative thoughts about our body is through movement. It is especially helpful to make exercise a regular part of our day. From my years working with people with eating disorders, I have found that people who incorporate some form of movement first thing in the morning have the most success at being consistent with exercise.
Engaging in exercise is likely to help us be more invested in making wise, healthy food choices. It also helps increase anti-anxiety and anti-depression endorphins so we can start the day with a positive attitude. With this mindset, we are less likely to obsess about food and body image as the day progresses.
Here are a few tips to counteract the panic:
- Remember that the increased daylight in springtime makes it easier to exercise outdoors safely.
- Challenge yourself to find a form of movement you enjoy
- Try out a sport or activity you’ve never done before like tennis, golf, water aerobics, or canoeing
- Make plans to do things outdoors you enjoy
- Find comfortable, attractive clothing and don’t worry about the size—clothing sizes are constantly changing anyway
Spring and summer offer us opportunities to rejuvenate ourselves, have fun, and renew our commitment to self care. As the popular saying by Liam Linisong goes, “A year from now, what will you wish you had done?” Whatever that is, make sure you are enjoying it now.