It is that time of year again, when food is plenty and the expectations are like so. I am bringing back this podcast episode I did a few year ago as I think it may be helpful again, right now.
In a conversation I had with a client recently I found myself saying “I don’t feel like the societal energy at this time of year matches natures rhythm of this time of year”. What I mean by that is, for those of us who live in the Northern Hemisphere, this is the darkest time of year. A time that calls for slowing down, going inward and for rest.
In nature, we see that everywhere. Many birds have migrated south, the trees stand naked and are conserving their energy for Spring, many animals are hirbernating. The days are shorter and the sun, when making an appearance in hanging low in the sky.
Everything in nature is saying: rest, slow down. Yet the expectaions feels the complete opposite. It feels like the to-do list never ends. Presents to get, decorations to put up, food to make, and work committments to tie up before the end of the work year.
I don’t know about you, but I feel tired. I want torest. To sleep until the day breaks and to be curled up with a book and a hot mug of tea in the evening. I want to enjoy time and take things slow. It is the end of the year, it is mid winter and Spring with its fresh energy is still several months away.
For those who are struggling with their relationship with food and their bodies this can be a particularly challenging time. What to eat, what not to eat, listeing to diet talk, body comparisions rearing its ugly head and having an impact on weather to go out or stay in.
There is an anticipation of all the food that is expected to be eaten at one particular day, and then of course the looming promise of yet another “new year new you” in the weeks to follow…
If you are actively working on healing your relationship with food and your body then you know that recovey is a continous work in progress that does not take a break just because it is Christmas. However, depending on where in your journey you are, this time can be a good opportunity to:
* Keep focusing on eating regular meals and snack that are adequate (often more than you think!) throughout the period. If your typical eating rhythm is thrown off a bit by parties / nights out, adjust the best you can so you don’t end up skipping meals or snacks.
* Don’t skip meal in an attempt to compensate! This is often a surefire way to end up bingeing later, from hunger or as way to rebel against mental restriction.
This time of year, because it can be stressful and overwhelming also presents an opportunity to see how far you’ve come in your process.
Maybe you are not finding yourself sneaking out and eating in secret. Or this year you are able to eat a food that caused a great deal of anxiety last year.
Changes in our relationship with food and our bodies, when healing are often small and sometimes hard to notice. Often it is not until you look back that you can see how far you’ve come.
I hope you take good, kind care of yourself over these next few weeks.
