by Dr. Lauren Muhlheim , author of When Your Teen Has an Eating
Disorder (Dr. Muhlheim , ' When your teen has an eating disorder
...')
I am skeptical of New Year's resolutions in general because I think
they encourage an all-or-nothing mentality (I would hate to classify
entire years as good or bad for this reason). I don't feel like you
need to wait until the year resets to change your life. I am anti-diet
and fear the increased obsession with dieting and weight loss that
comes with January 1st.
So I thought I'd offer some alternatives to weight loss
goals this year as possible solutions for those making plans
for 2020.
- Make a decision to learn a new skill . If you've
always wanted to learn how to rock climb, play the piano, make
dumplings, or cross-stitch, now is the time to do it.
- Make a commitment to improving your relationship with one
person . Whether it's getting to know a coworker better,
spending more time with your spouse, or reconnecting with a childhood
friend, do it in 2020.
- Promise to stop making self-deprecating comments about your
appearance . These negative body comments, often made among
friends, make everyone feel worse about themselves. Avoid saying things
like: "My thighs look too big," "I hate my double chin," "Does this
make me look fat?" "I need to lose weight."
- Make a commitment not to "diet." Instead, focus on
eating intuitively according to your own tastes, based on your hunger
and fullness. Your amazing body will regulate itself if you let
it.
- Listen to a body positive podcast. Improving your
body image will make you feel better than dieting.
- Spend more time in nature . Research shows that
spending time in nature improves mental health. Go on a monthly hike,
plan a visit to a national park, or just spend time outside in your
area.
- Volunteer ! So many organizations need volunteers,
and there are so many important causes. You can volunteer your time to
help animals, preserve the environment, or improve literacy.
Volunteering has health benefits and can boost your self-esteem.
- Create something. Paint or draw, embroider, create
collages, write a story or a song. Art is a great way to express your
feelings, and the creative process itself can boost your mood and
self-esteem.
- Expand your culinary repertoire . No matter your
abilities, there is always room for growth. Learn a new technique, a
dish, try new recipes. Cooking will increase your enjoyment of food and
can help with mindful eating.
- Don't make New Year's resolutions at all . After
all, the transition from 2019 to 2020 is just a social construct - it
doesn't affect your self-esteem or any progress in your life.
Translation by Marina Fateeva, specially for http://ed-ua.com /
The site materials are protected by copyright. Copying and use of
content is permitted only with reference to the source. © Marina
Fateeva, 2020.