Surviving the Festive Season: Sophie Smith on Holiday Recovery Strategies
So it's also, I think, giving yourself permission to not necessarily go to that extreme of fullness if you don't want to, and sometimes it's actually a nicer experience if you know you're full and you're satisfied but you're not like overly stuffed, especially if that's going to cause you more distress in terms of feeling like you know you're bloated or you just feel really bad in your body or you feel like then you're going to put on a lot of weight.
The holiday season can be a minefield for anyone in recovery from an eating disorder. In this heartfelt episode of IMPOWERED, host Imogen Barnes sits down with Sophie Smith to tackle the unique challenges that come with Christmas and other festive celebrations.
Sophie, who has walked the path of recovery herself, shares her wisdom on dealing with guilt after meals, maintaining a positive body image, and resisting the ever-present diet culture that tends to dominate holiday conversations around the dinner table. Together, Imogen and Sophie dive into practical strategies for managing eating disorder behaviors during the festive season. They emphasize the importance of self-care and self-compassion, reminding listeners that it's okay to prioritize their mental health over societal expectations.
The conversation also touches on the value of connection and relationships, offering tips on how to lean on loved ones for support. One of the key takeaways from this episode is the idea of focusing on experiences rather than appearances. Sophie and Imogen discuss how shifting your mindset can make a world of difference, especially when social media and diet culture are constantly pushing unrealistic standards.
They also share their hopes for recovery, providing a beacon of hope for anyone struggling during this time of year. If you're looking for ways to navigate the holidays while staying true to your recovery journey, this episode offers a blend of personal stories and actionable advice. Tune in to find out how you can make this festive season a little bit easier on yourself.