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Rest In Eating Disorder Recovery

By: Holly Shah - Master’s Level Intern

When we think about eating disorder recovery, we often picture exploring our relationship with food, challenging harmful beliefs about our bodies, and kicking diet culture to the curb. And yes—those are all key parts of the journey. But there is one essential piece we tend to overlook: rest! 


Mental and physical rest are not just nice-to-haves—they are must-haves. Because let’s be honest: recovery is hard work! When I talk to clients about rest, I often hear things like, “I don’t even know what rest looks like,” or “How can I rest when I have so much to do?” And I get it, life is busy, and recovery can feel like a full-time job. That is why I want to share a few ideas for weaving rest into your routine. Think of it as a way to thank your mind and body for everything they are doing to help you heal. 


According to Heart.Org sleep is not merely a passive state; it's a vital period during which the body undertakes essential healing processes. Research indicates that during the initial hours of deep sleep, the body engages in tissue growth and repair, facilitating physical healing and restoration. Simultaneously, the brain clears out unnecessary information and waste products, making room for new learning and memory consolidation. This cleansing process is crucial for maintaining cognitive function and overall well-being (American Heart Association News).


Ways To Get Some Restful Time While In Eating Disorder Recovery



  1. Meditation 


I know — it is no surprise seeing meditation on this list! It is a classic for a reason. For some people, the traditional approach of sitting still, focusing on your breath, and letting your thoughts float freely can be incredibly grounding. But for others? Not so much. 

If traditional meditation is not your thing, try meditating in nature instead. Go for a walk and choose one color to focus on — then spend your time spotting everything around you in that color. It is a fun way to anchor your mind and breathe a little deeper.


And if walking is not in your routine right now, you can do the same thing while sitting comfortably outside. Meditation does not have to be long to be effective. Just five minutes can invite a moment of calm and rest into your day. 


  1. Prioritize Sleep


Sleep is very important to recovery as it does so much behind the scenes! Whether it is aiming for a solid eight hours a night or letting yourself take a midday nap, rest is essential for both your mind and body. 


Remember, healing in recovery is about far more than food. While you sleep, your body continues the healing work, restoring and repairing in ways you might not even realize. Getting enough rest is a way to say “thank you” to your body for all it is doing to support you every single day. 



  1. Movement Breaks 


One of the trickiest parts of recovery (both personally and from what clients share) is learning to trust your body again. That trust shows up in so many ways, but let’s talk about movement. 


Trusting your body means knowing when it is asking for a break. In a culture that glorifies constant movement, it can feel strange, maybe even “wrong”, to rest. But here is the truth: movement is only helpful when your body is nourished, rested, and ready. If you are feeling sore, drained, or undernourished, it is more than okay to pause. Gentle movement is great, but so is saying, “Nope, not today.” Rest and movement are partners, not opposites. Balance is the goal, not burnout. 



  1. Taking social breaks


One form of rest that often goes unnoticed is taking a break from being social. Connectedness is a huge part of recovery, and finding community is incredibly valuable, but let’s not forget—everyone has a social battery! And sometimes, that battery needs a recharge.


This might look like putting your phone down for the day and staying off social media. Even though scrolling is not an in-person interaction, it can be just as draining. It is also more than okay to take some time for yourself. Turning down weekend plans to prioritize rest and self-care is not selfish—it is a chance to reconnect with you. Spending quality time alone can create space to recharge mentally, emotionally, and physically. So go ahead—light a candle, get cozy, and enjoy your own company.

Navigating rest during eating disorder recovery can be confusing, challenging, and yes, incredibly rewarding. Rest is one of the many ways you can honor all the hard work your body and mind do each day. As you move through recovery, do not forget how much effort you are putting in, moment by moment. Your strength is remarkable, and rest can be a beautiful way to celebrate and support that strength. 

If you would like more information on rest in recovery, see these resources below:

 ● The Eating Disorder Recovery Podcast: Intuitive Movement and Exercise - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/intuitive-movement-and-exercise/id1087275550?i =1000429085349 

● Nourish The Soul: A Meditation For Eating Disorder Recovery: 

● Book: The Inside Scoop on Eating Disorder Recovery by Colleen Reichmann and Jennifer Rollin



Other Mental Health Services Offered in PA, NJ, DE, SC, MD, CT, VT, and FL


We offer a wide variety of services related to eating disorder recovery including trauma therapy!  We offer Weekly Support Groups, Nutrition Services,  and Family and Parent Therapy as well as Coaching, all tailored to meet the specific needs of the individual. We offer our services for Anorexia, Bulimia, Binge Eating, and Orthorexia as well as Maternal Mental Health, and eating disorder therapy for athletes online in New Jersey, Delaware, South Carolina, Maryland, Florida, Vermont, and Connecticut! We are here to offer our support and understanding in a safe and non-judgmental environment.


We have immediate openings right now for eating disorder therapy in:

Delaware, New Jersey, Florida, Maryland South Carolina, Connecticut, Vermont, and Pennsylvania.

And recovery coaching worldwide.



Recovered and Restored is an eating disorder therapy center founded by Gabrielle Morreale, LPC. We specialize in helping teens and young women heal from eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia, orthorexia, and binge eating disorder and treat disordered eating, anxiety, depression, and PTSD. We provide eating disorder therapy in the towns of Horsham, Upper Gwynedd, Lower Gwynedd, North Wales, Lansdale, Hatfield, Blue Bell, Doylestown, and nearby towns with eating disorder therapy. Also providing virtual eating disorder therapy in New Jersey, Delaware, and Florida. Some towns served virtually but are not limited to Pittsburg, Lancaster, Harrisburg, Center City, Cherry Hill, Haddonfield, Mount Laurel, Cape May, Avalon, Brick, Dover, New Castle, Bethany Beach, Marydel, and Oceanview


 
 
 

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