Anxiety: How Does Self-Care Help?
Anxiety, financial crises, economic uncertainty, incurable illness, quarantine and death penetrate the bubble of safety and security now. Coronavirus, stock market plummeting, travel limited, no clear leadership, conflicting perspectives in duration and consequences.
This disruptive state is enough to trigger binge eating and anxiety attacks.
In the face of such powerful disrupters, what can we do for ourselves and others?
Self-Care to Counter Anxiety in You and Others
Perhaps you've asked yourself these questions. I propose an answer. It comes in different forms:
- Be as healthy in mind, body and spirit as you possibly can.
- Keep learning, expanding your life and standing up for what you value.
- Give yourself understanding and compassion so you can thrive.
- Give others understanding and compassion so the world thrives. (If you can't, then put yourself in surroundings where you can learn understanding and compassion)
Power of Your Eating Disorder Recovery
Above all, bear your anxiety and dig in deeper for your eating disorder recovery. Your community needs the wisdom you develop from your tribulations within this illness and in your recovery work. You can share that wisdom once you emerge from your eating disorder, whole and clear.
Your journey to recovery makes you a holder of universal knowledge. You become a message carrier through your thoughts, words and deeds that convey courage, grace and strength in confronting reality. It empowers you with the kindness required to soothe anxiety, heal and befriend.
My hope is that bit by bit, step by step, person by person, kindness, wisdom and healing will spread through our immediate environment and beyond. This contributes to creating the stability and courage to face our challenges and inspires others to do the same.
Your eating disorder recovery and the anxiety that goes with it are unique to you. It is centered on you and based on your personal journey. Yet, it is part of a universal suffering and healing. Every moment of your recovery work matters. Making peace within becomes a living inspiration.
Please share your thoughts in the comment section below.
Written by Joanna Poppink, MFT. Joanna is a psychotherapist in private practice specializing in eating disorder recovery, stress, PTSD, and adult development.
She is licensed in CA, AZ, OR and FL. Author of the Book: Healing Your Hungry Heart: Recovering from Your Eating Disorder
Appointments are virtual.
For a free telephone consultation, e-mail her at
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