Building body respect can help with binge eating disorder
Binge eating disorder and low body esteem are closely related. People who need help with binge eating disorder often have a negative body image and low self-esteem. This can be due to a combination of factors, such as feeling ashamed or embarrassed about their eating behaviours, feeling like they’re not in control of their eating habits, or having unrealistic expectations of their body shape or size. Low body esteem can also lead to increased stress and anxiety, which can further fuel the urge to binge eat. Additionally, those who need help with binge eating disorder may find themselves engaging in unhealthy behaviours, such as crash dieting, in an attempt to lose weight or gain control over their body. These behaviours can further damage their self-esteem and create a cycle of negative thoughts and feelings.
When you need help with binge eating disorder, it can be hard to develop a better relationship with your body. It can feel like an insurmountable challenge, and it’s easy to feel like it’s impossible to get to a place of peace with your body. But it is possible to move towards body respect, even if you don’t love your body in its current size.
What is body respect?
Body respect is an important step on the journey towards self-acceptance. It’s about recognising and honouring your body for what it can do, not just how it looks. It’s about treating your body with kindness and understanding, even when you don’t feel great about it. And it’s about being gentle with yourself and learning to appreciate your body’s strength and resilience.
Ways to practice body respect
One way to start developing a better relationship with your body is to focus on what it can do. Take time to recognise and celebrate the amazing things your body does every day. Whether it’s walking to work, carrying groceries, or simply getting out of bed in the morning, your body is capable of so much. It’s easy to take our bodies for granted and it’s often only when we’re confronted with those less able than ourselves do we feel gratitude and appreciation. The reality is that our bodies are performing miracles for us every day to keep us alive and there is immense gratitude to be had in being able to walk in beautiful surroundings or hold children in our arms.
Another way to practice body respect is to stop comparing yourself to others. We live in a society that’s constantly bombarding us with unrealistic images of beauty and perfection. But it’s important to remember that everyone is different and that there is no one “right” way to look. When you find yourself comparing your body to someone else’s, take a moment to remind yourself that you are beautiful and unique, just the way you are.
Social media is a cesspit for comparison. Perhaps you follow fitness or weight loss accounts for ‘inspiration’? If you do, please consider whether the accounts you are following truly inspire you, or whether you find yourself in compare and despair because the lifestyle or body they have is unattainable for you. Your social media feed is yours to curate, so do just that. Follow accounts that make you feel good.
Focus on self-care
It’s also important to practice self-care. Self-care doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming. It can be as simple as taking a hot bath, going for a walk, or just taking some time to sit and relax. The key is to do something that brings you joy and makes you feel good. Self-care is something that should be a priority in your life. By practicing self-care, you will gain the energy you need to help others and be your best self.
READ: 10 Ways to Practice Self-Care
When you make time for yourself, you’ll have more motivation to do the things you love. You will also discover that you have more energy to get through your day. Finding ways to move your body can also help build body respect. Whether you’re building strength by lifting weights or increasing flexibility through yoga, working with your body for better functionality and stamina can produce a greater appreciation for its capabilities.
Finally, it’s important to talk to someone about your feelings. Find a friend, family member, or therapist that you trust and feel comfortable talking to. Having someone to talk to can help you process your emotions and gain perspective on your situation.
Developing a better relationship with your body when you need help with binge eating disorder is difficult. It’s often unrealistic for most women, not just those with eating disorders, to develop love and appreciation for their bodies. We live in a society that pushes thin is the ideal and if our bodies don’t conform to that standard, we feel not good enough.
Challenging these insidious standards can be difficult, but it is possible to move towards body respect and self-acceptance. Focus on what your body can do, practice self-care, and talk to someone about your feelings. These steps can help you start to build a healthier relationship with your body.
If you feel like you need help with binge eating disorder in the UK or Ireland, please get in touch to see how we can start your journey towards Food Freedom.
READ MORE: What is the difference between emotional eating and binge eating?, Can hypnotherapy help with binge eating?, Meal planning in binge eating recovery.
