[Admin]

Sometimes it is overwhelming finding coping mechanisms when you feel yourself turning to the eating disorder behaviors. Below are some suggested coping skills that can be helpful.

Color - find a box of crayons and a coloring book and just color.
Journal - write in your journal or create one. Write about whatever you want to - get it out
Use the Board - post on the board for support; do a creative story
Call a Friend - talk to someone who is good at listening that you can call
Play some music - play your favorite music and enjoy it
Watch a Movie - find a movie to get your mind off of things
Take a trip - taking a trip to your local bookstore can help get you out of the house
Read - read a book, newspaper, etc
Play - play with some clay or a box of building blocks
Ideas for Coping


More Suggestions:

Instead of Engaging in Eating Disordered Behavior……..

1) Talk back to your Eating Disorder (that pesky voice in your head)
2) Write a Letter to your Eating Disorder
3) Pray or Meditate
4) Write a Letter to a Friend
5) Write down Everything you Are Thankful For
6) Distract Yourself (Sudoko Puzzles- one of our Group Member’s Favorites!)
7) Read a Self Help Book – Keep the Most Helpful Pages bookmarked!
8) Speak an Inpirational Quote Out Loud as Your Mantra or Write the Words Repeatedly
9) Call a Friend, Family Member, or ANAD Group Member for Support
10) Involve Yourself in Volunteer Work – Focus on Helping Another Who is Struggling
11) Post Quotes/Affirmations on your Bathroom Mirror or Refrigerator
12) Challenge Negative Thoughts by writing or speaking Opposite Positive Thoughts
13) Color! With Crayons! =)
14) Use Message Boards and/or Chat Rooms for those struggling with ED
15) Exercise in Moderation, Short Walks, Stretching, Yoga
16) Call your Therapist for an Extra Session, if needed
17) Write Down Your Thoughts/Struggles in Preparation for Therapy
18) Go to an ANAD Meeting
19) Write in the Third Person. This can Allow you to Be more Honest with Yourself
20) Imagine the Words you Would Offer your Friend if She was Struggling
21) Drum – African Drums are Wonderful – Therapeutic and Meditational!
22) Sing Loudly – Whether You Sing Well or Not =)
23) Pamper Yourself – Pedicure, Manicure, Massage, Facial Mask
24) Breathe Deeply, Close your Eyes
25) Speak Thoughts Out Loud, and Record Them on Cassette for Therapy Sessions
26) Speak Positive Thoughts Out Loud and Listen to Them Repeatedly
27) Be PATIENT with Yourself!
28) What Works for You? ANAD Wants to Know. Your Thoughts May Help Another Who is Struggling!


From Members of ANAD’s Lincoln Park Group 11/2006

This is a short list that I will keep adding to, please forward your suggestions or thing that has helped you to recovery@ed-support.com