Bodywhys | Coping Tips & Suggestions

Understanding Eating DisordersCovid-19 & Eating DisordersCoping Tips & Suggestions

Coping Tips & Suggestions

Area/Focus	Potential responses
Life	Maintaining daily routines and structures, day planning and enjoyable activities Playing or relaxing with family Opportunity to learn new things Keeping a diary of positive situations
Food	Challenge unhealthy food-related cognitive distortions Practice exposures to challenging foods Reassessment of meal plans and flexible meal planning Use self-compassion toward current struggles Encourage focus on body functionality Mild physical exercise, yoga, relaxation, meditation, mindfulness
Treatment & support	Online groups, guided self-help, email, text, e-mental health interventions Addressing symptoms of depression and anxiety to help manage ED symptoms Personalised preventive and therapy to address vulnerability factors linked to stress and pandemic implications
Social & self	Activities that benefit self-worth Monitoring feelings, meaning and impact of peer interaction Increasing valued activities and helpful social connection, connection with peers online Virtual social contact (friends)
Setting boundaries	Media consumption strategies – limit exposure, reduce appearance-related consumption, adjust social media feeds, think critically about images/messages

Sources: Baenas 2020; Schlegl 2020a; Schlegl 2020b; Cooper et al 2020

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