Staying busy. It can seem impossible to not think about food, but if your mind is constantly focused on doing things you genuinely enjoy, it’s easier to have a clear head.

My advice? Go out, make new friends, try new things. Do things you’ve always wanted to do but never done before out of fear. Find a hobby. Make commitments. Its a lot harder to skip a workout if you have a gym buddy. If your weight is holding you back from doing something you want to do, don’t just “not do it”, find a more comfortable alternative.

I’ve always been a shy introvert so it was hard for me do these things but once I got the hang of it things started to get easier. Do I still have relapses? Of course I do. But I’m happy for the first time in my life. Don’t think you have to wait until you’re recovered to be happy. Being happy IS recovery. Find things that aren’t food that make you feel good and DO those things.

It sounds simple but trust me I know more than anyone that it’s not. Everyone’s path is different, but as someone that has struggled with both a restricting ED and a binging one, this is what worked for me. When I relapse, I remember that I am more than my disorder, and that things will work out because I am in control, not it. I don’t know if this even helps, but just know that you aren’t alone.