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Religion and Holidays: Finding Hope in a Higher Power
Contributor: Crystal Karges, MS, RDN, IBCLC, Special Projects Coordinator at Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope
With the hustle and bustle that often comes with holiday season, it can become easy to lose sight of the things that are most important in life and in recovery. With lists of endless tasks to accomplish, traveling, visiting family and friends, cooking, cleaning, etc., it may be easy to fall into a pattern of doing things more mechanically or out of obligation rather than truly experiencing the joy of the season.
This can also lead to burn out, not just in recovery, but in life as well. It is essential to be reminded of the things that are most important to you and to thrive in situations that give you most purpose.
Higher Power
Finding hope in a higher power can help give perspective, particularly to those who may be in recovery from an eating disorder. While religion is not an essential factor to finding recovery from an eating disorder or necessary to thriving in life, for some individuals, believing in a higher power brings a sense of hope and peace that other things cannot.
In a society that often thrives on materialism, taking time for faith and spirituality can be grounding in many aspects and help strengthen existing recovery efforts.
Religion is an individual choice and may involve different things from one person to the next. Trusting in Someone greater than yourself can be uplifting and even motivating. Taking the time to mediate on scriptures, pray, or gather with like-minded people in a group setting, such as church, can be rejuvenating, especially during a season where you may be continually on the go.
If you have been interested in spirituality or have been searching for hope in a higher power, consider reaching out. You may start by looking for local support groups that are based on the 12 step process for recovery, as these community based groups operate on principles that are spiritual in nature.
You may also look at local churches, who tend to offer ministries and free support groups to community members. Consider talking with a spiritual leader in your community, like a pastor, mentor or teacher. Finding ways to incorporate faith into your recovery journey can help encourage and build hope in your life.
Community Discussion – Share your thoughts here!
How has spirituality benefited you in your recovery from an eating disorder? How has finding hope in a higher power helped you through potential challenges faced during the holiday season and in other situations?
Crystal is a Masters-level Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) with a specialty focus in eating disorders, maternal/child health and wellness, and intuitive eating. Combining clinical experience with a love of social media and writing, Crystal serves as the Special Projects Coordinator for Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope, where her passion to help others find recovery and healing is integrated into each part of her work.
As a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor, Crystal has dedicated her career to helping others establish a healthy relationship with food and body through her work with EDH/AH and nutrition private practice.
The opinions and views of our guest contributors are shared to provide a broad perspective of eating disorders. These are not necessarily the views of Eating Disorder Hope, but an effort to offer discussion of various issues by different concerned individuals.
We at Eating Disorder Hope understand that eating disorders result from a combination of environmental and genetic factors. If you or a loved one are suffering from an eating disorder, please know that there is hope for you, and seek immediate professional help.
Last Updated & Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on November 23, 2015
Published on EatingDisorderHope.com
