Yom Kippur is an important holiday for many people as it signifies a fresh start to the Jewish new year. This holiday, which is a day of fasting, encourages repentance and inspires each person to cleanse their being. Unfortunately, for those who struggle with an eating problem, Yom Kippur can be a holiday that is quite difficult to celebrate.
Despite being the most solemn day on the Jewish calendar, Yom Kippur can produce different feelings for those who struggle with body image, eating problems, and anxiety/depression. As a day of complete fasting, this can cause someone with an eating problem to relive old experiences or further enforce their problem.
During the Jewish holidays, individuals who have a negative body image may take drastic measures to be the preferred size. As in all religions, there are many rituals around food, which can be difficult for people with eating problems and body image. People may feel the need to fast more often to feel better about consuming traditional larger meals. These rituals are difficult for eating problems.
People often worry that having eating problems or body image concerns will deter them from finding a significant other. This mentality is very dangerous to the health and wellbeing of those involved. Judaism encourages you to become the best version of yourself. Your religion is intended to inspire you, not encourage harm. If you need to modify traditional activities, talk to your Rabbi, doctor, or therapist about how to partake in experiences in a healthy and safe way.
Healthy Resolutions
As the new year starts, inspire yourself to set healthy resolutions that you can work on throughout the year. Consider it a refreshing start to a replenishing year. The following are tips to achieving health and happiness in this new year:
- Start your day with a positive quote. Looking at pictures of models and celebrities online only reinforces eating problems. Avoid triggers such as these and replace them with an inspiring quote to motivate yourself and take charge of the day ahead.
- Write down one thing you are proud of. This could be as simple as playing with your dog to attending a therapy appointment. Writing this down will inspire you to continue to strive toward a positive life.
- Stop putting pressure on yourself. Accept the fact that no one is perfect and take that as a driving factor to make yourself better and move on from the situation.
Throughout this holiday season, it is important to remember that your religion is there to help you enjoy your life and keep your body and mind healthy. Asking for help when necessary shows your courage. Eating problems can significantly impact the quality of life. This season is about affirming the opportunity for a healthy, happier life.
Our Highland Park and Manhattan Therapist Works with Those Suffering from Eating and Body Image Challenges
For help and information regarding overeating, binge eating, bulimia, and body image issues, contact Joanne Gerr, L.C.S.W. today. Our Manhattan eating problem therapist understands the health complications eating problems bestow on a person. Call us at 212-750-8130 or 732-247-5112 for an initial consultation. You can also contact us online. Located in Manhattan, New York and Highland Park, New Jersey, Joanne serves clients throughout New York and New Jersey, including Manalapan Township, Marlboro, and Westfield.