Eating disorders is one of the major concerns of people across the globe. People suffering from eating disorders either are in the habit of binge eating or in the habit of eating less. Both these extremes cause problems. Therefore, an idea on how to deal with eating disorders is essential.
Face the fact that you are a victim of eating disorder
For an individual suffering from eating disorder, it is absolutely necessary for him to face the fact that he is a victim of eating disorder. He should be prepared to undergo any treatment, however strict it may be to overcome the disorder. Once an individual has identified his problem, he can be taken to a rehab which helps people in overcoming such problems. These institutes firstly categorize the disorder according to its intensity, and then they discuss the problem with the individual on a face to face conversation. This is done simply to understand the root cause behind the disorder and to chalk out personalized treatment strategies for individuals. The plan also involves a recovery plan which consists of medicinal assistance, chalking out a proper diet chart, behavior therapies and self-image boosting activities. It has been found when the individual accepts that he is suffering from the disorder and follows this routine; many individuals have been cured of this eating problem. These rehab institutes also educates the patientâs family on extending a compassionate and warm co-operation for the individuals recovering from this disorder.
Sedentary lifestyle
Modern lifestyle is more of a sedentary lifestyle with less physical work involved. An individual goes to work in a car or bus, sits in office the whole day and again returns home and relaxes in front of the television. Therefore, there is no scope for any physical activity. Regular physical activity in the form of aerobics, walking, cycling, and swimming can be followed by individuals, so as to keep them fit. These exercises induce in an individual, the natural appetite to eat and allays over eating.
Gentle eating
Eating gently is one way to deal with eating disorders. Eating the food slowly rather than swallowing it hurriedly helps one not only to curb eating disorder but also in easy digestion of food. It is always better to start your meal by closing your eyes and reciting a prayer with full concentration. This calms your mind and you get a grip on how you are feeling at that moment. Breathing slowly during this time also helps in increasing concentration and focus. Try to detect your mood, whether it is happy, depressed or angry. Next one should try to rank his hunger on a scale of ten. If you feel your hunger is of grade one, you are starved. If you feel it is ten, you are stuffed already. Once you have understood your level of hunger, maintain silence for fifteen minutes. After every bite you take from the food, put your fork down. When fifteen minutes get over, stretch your body, take a deep breath, locate your hunger and then accordingly finish your meal.
Yoga
One can also get rid of eating disorders by practicing yoga. A calm and focused mind can be helpful in curing an individual from this problem. Depression and low self esteem are one of the dominant feelings of people suffering from eating disorders. Yoga helps in restoring back their confidence and boosting their morale. Practicing yoga helps in reducing the state of depression in an individual and also helps in restoring mental well being and a state of balance in an individual. Various types of yoga practices have shown to have increased the self confidence of the people suffering from eating disorders. Yoga can significantly help in healing and recuperation of the individual. Yoga eliminates self-judgment in an individual which is the root cause for low self- esteem and thereby establishes a harmonious bond between the mind and the body. This natural state of wellness if maintained can help in healing the body from the damage caused by the eating disorder. Yoga improves the immunity and the fitness level of an individual, thus empowering him so that he can fight any disease.
Seek help from people who have suffered from the disorder
Therapists, doctors, dieticians all focus on controlled eating and exercising more. It is a good advice but often it does not work for emotional people. They find it just mere preaching from people who themselves have not experienced the problem, yet they are stating solutions for the individual. For such individuals, it is better to have a real life example before them. That will motivate and inspire them more in overcoming it. The individuals who have gone through the same phase will be able to empathize and will be able to give realistic solutions based on practical experience and not mere bookish solutions. When such individuals meet with the people who are suffering from eating disorders, they become their role model and also try their utmost to get out of the position that they are in.
