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How to Cope With the Urges of Compulsive Exercise
Eating disorders are complex, psychiatric illnesses, and many of the individuals who struggle with these diseases are affected in every aspect of their lives. Recovering from an eating disorder is also a process, in that it is often a lifelong journey. Managing an eating disorder, like anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating disorder, is something that comes with time, professional intervention, ongoing support, and much more. Eating disorders, though they have similar features and characteristics, will also look differently from one person to the next.
Understanding Compulsive Exercise
For some individuals with eating disorders, compulsive exercise, or the engaging in exercise beyond beyond a normal and pleasurable level, is a part of the vicious disease. For example, someone with bulimia or anorexia may use exercise as a “punishment” for eating, or as a means of “purging” calories that have been ingested. If exercise is done out of obligation, guilt, or shame, this is a red flag that should not be ignored. Compulsive exercise is often missed or not given adequate attention because it is typically justified in the name of health. However, individuals who struggle with compulsive exercise will push their bodies beyond what they are capable or comfortable doing, even exercising if injured or sick.
There are many negative consequences that may result from compulsive exercise, especially if this is a behavior associated with an eating disorder. If you or someone you care for has struggled with compulsive exercise, it is crucial to connect with a specialist to begin addressing the issue appropriately.
How to Handle Urges to Exercise
As a person recovers from an eating disorder, it is not uncommon to see urges pop up in other unexpected areas. Facing urges to engage in a particular behavior that is tied to an eating disorder can feel overwhelming and difficult to overcome, but being aware of these possible situations is half the battle.
If you find yourself dealing with urges to exercise compulsively, challenge yourself to understand the trigger. Keep a journal or a log to note the times you experience the urge and see if you can find a connecting trigger point. Maybe it is a particular emotion that offsets you, or a time of day? Learning to address any potential underlying associations can support your recovery and healing moving forward. Work with a specialized therapist or counselor to delve into possible scenarios and process the issues that may be triggering your urges.
Related Reading
- What Is Body Dysmorphia?
- An Overview of Compulsive Exercise
- What Are the Health Problems from Compulsive Exercise?
- Anorexia Athletica Overview
Community Discussion – Share Your Thoughts Here!
How have you successfully overcome urges in your eating disorder recovery?
About the Author: 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 Director of Content and Social Media 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 13, 2016
Published on EatingDisorderHope.com
