Finding self love and Getting through the Darkest times

Summary: In today’s episode, we’re joined by Lily Snow, Miss Riverton, who has overcome significant challenges in her life, including body dysmorphia and eating disorders. Her story is one of resilience, personal growth, and self-acceptance. While Lily’s journey is inspiring, this blog will focus more on practical advice for those who may be going through similar struggles.

If you or someone you know is battling body image issues, disordered eating, or feelings of inadequacy, this guide will offer tips and strategies to help overcome these challenges and develop a healthier relationship with yourself.

Understanding Body Dysmorphia and Eating Disorders

Before diving into how to overcome these issues, it’s essential to understand what body dysmorphia and eating disorders are:

Body Dysmorphia: A mental health condition where a person is excessively concerned with perceived flaws in their appearance. These flaws are often invisible to others, yet the individual’s fixation can lead to anxiety, depression, and social isolation.
Eating Disorders: Disorders like anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating often stem from a negative self-image or a desire for control. These conditions are serious and can impact both physical and emotional health.

How to Overcome Body Dysmorphia and Eating Disorders

While everyone’s journey is unique, there are universal strategies that can help in the recovery process. Below are some practical tips to move toward healing:

1. Seek Professional Help

If you’re struggling with body dysmorphia or an eating disorder, reaching out to a professional—whether that’s a therapist, counselor, or medical doctor—is the most important first step. These issues are complex and require specialized care to address both the physical and emotional components. A professional can help you create a personalized plan for recovery and guide you through the process.

Examples of Action:

Contact a therapist who specializes in body image or eating disorders.
Attend support groups where others are also recovering, which can offer community and understanding.
Speak with a nutritionist to develop a healthier relationship with food.

2. Challenge Negative Thoughts

A huge part of overcoming body dysmorphia and disordered eating is learning to challenge the negative thoughts that fuel these behaviors. These thoughts are often distorted and deeply ingrained, making it hard to see yourself clearly. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a popular method to help reframe these thoughts, turning harmful beliefs into positive ones.

Examples of Action:

Keep a journal where you write down negative thoughts and then challenge them. For example, if you think, “I look terrible today,” write down evidence that contradicts this thought, such as compliments you’ve received or how you’ve taken care of yourself.
Practice self-affirmation. Replace negative self-talk with affirming, positive statements like, “I am more than my appearance,” or “My body deserves love and care.”

3. Shift Focus from Appearance to Function

Many people with body dysmorphia fixate on their appearance, believing their worth is tied to how they look. A key part of recovery is learning to appreciate your body for what it does rather than what it looks like. Focus on how your body allows you to experience life—whether it’s moving, breathing, hugging loved ones, or simply existing.

Examples of Action:

Engage in physical activities like walking, yoga, or swimming, and focus on how your body feels during these activities, not how it looks.
Practice gratitude for what your body enables you to do, like dancing, laughing, or traveling.
Shift your mindset from aesthetic goals to performance or health-based goals. For example, instead of “I want to lose weight,” try “I want to feel stronger” or “I want to have more energy.”

4. Limit Social Media Consumption

Social media can be a breeding ground for comparison and unrealistic standards of beauty. Many images online are heavily edited or filtered, creating impossible ideals. If you’re recovering from body dysmorphia or an eating disorder, it’s important to create a healthy relationship with social media.

Examples of Action:

Unfollow accounts that make you feel worse about your body or create unrealistic expectations. Instead, follow accounts that promote body positivity, self-care, and mental health.
Set limits on your social media use. Try reducing screen time, especially if scrolling leaves you feeling negative or anxious about your appearance.
Remember that social media only shows highlights, not real life. People post their best angles and moments, not the full picture.

5. Build a Support System

Recovering from body dysmorphia and eating disorders isn’t something you have to do alone. A strong support system can make a huge difference in your recovery. This could be friends, family, a therapist, or a support group. Having people around you who understand and care about your well-being can provide the encouragement and accountability you need to stay on track.

Examples of Action:

Open up to a trusted friend or family member about your struggles. Let them know how they can support you, whether that’s through conversation, encouragement, or just listening.
Consider joining a group therapy session or online community where others are going through similar challenges.
Surround yourself with people who promote healthy and positive thinking about body image and self-worth.

6. Practice Mindful Eating

For those recovering from disordered eating, relearning how to eat intuitively and mindfully is crucial. Mindful eating involves being fully present when you eat, paying attention to hunger cues, and appreciating food without judgment. This approach helps rebuild a healthier relationship with food and your body.

Examples of Action:

Sit down and focus on your meal without distractions. Chew slowly, savor the flavors, and listen to your body’s hunger and fullness cues.
Avoid labeling foods as “good” or “bad.” Instead, view food as fuel that nourishes your body, and allow yourself to enjoy a variety of foods without guilt.
Practice self-compassion if you have a slip-up or binge. Recovery is not about perfection, but progress.

7. Engage in Self-Care Activities

Self-care goes beyond pampering; it’s about nurturing your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Taking care of yourself helps you reconnect with your body in positive ways, reminding you that you deserve kindness and love. Whether it’s exercising, journaling, or meditating, self-care should be a priority in recovery.

Examples of Action:

Create a self-care routine that includes activities like reading, going for walks, taking baths, or doing creative hobbies. These activities can help distract from negative thoughts and provide a sense of fulfillment.
Meditate or practice deep breathing exercises to calm anxiety and refocus your mind on the present moment.
Set healthy boundaries. Say no to people or activities that drain your energy or contribute to negative thinking.

How to Maintain Progress Long-Term

While these strategies can help during recovery, maintaining long-term progress requires commitment and patience. Healing from body dysmorphia and eating disorders doesn’t happen overnight, but with ongoing effort, it is possible to build a healthier relationship with your body.

Here are a few tips for maintaining your progress:

Consistency over Perfection: Don’t aim for perfection in your recovery journey. Expect setbacks but stay consistent with the healthy habits you’ve built.
Celebrate Small Wins: Every positive step you take—whether it’s attending therapy, eating mindfully, or challenging a negative thought—should be celebrated. These small wins add up over time.
Stay Connected: Keep in touch with your support network. Having people to lean on during tough times can help prevent relapses.
Reevaluate Goals: Periodically check in with yourself. As you grow, your goals and needs may change, so be flexible and adjust your recovery plan as needed.

Conclusion

Lily Snow’s journey from struggling with body dysmorphia and eating disorders to embracing self-acceptance and growth is a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Her story shows that while these struggles can be difficult, they are not insurmountable.

By seeking professional help, challenging negative thoughts, limiting social media, and practicing self-care, you can begin to rebuild your relationship with your body and find peace in who you are. Recovery is possible, and every step you take brings you closer to a healthier, more fulfilling life.

Connect with us!

• Lily’s Instagram Personal : https://www.instagram.com/_lily_may_snow_/