5 Fantastic Apps for Eating Disorder Recovery
Recovering from an eating disorder is no easy feat. It takes a large amount of time, effort, and adjustments to reach the best possible outcome. And I’m going to be frank, you may be in recovery for a lifetime. It’s not a short, linear process. There are so many challenges, depending on a variety of factors that play into health and wellness. Regardless, no matter who you are, recovery is like hiking up a treacherous mountain with boulders, fallen trees, coyotes lingering at every corner, and a mix of extreme temperatures. Perhaps there will be more or less obstacles.
But it is still worth it. The outcomes and freedom it grants you is amazing. The time spent can help you discover who you are underneath, teach you some of the most valuable lessons, and hopefully help you be healthier than ever before.
Of course, who says you have to go it alone, without any tools? I bet a professional psychologist or psychiatrist has given you some resources to help with the recovery process. It’s alright if a few of these provided tools aren’t working out for you. One thing does not help everyone. I’ve definitely encountered my fair share of tools that are completely useless to me, but some things have definitely stuck.
Here are 5 tools I highly recommend trying out:
#1 — Breath Ball
Breathball is a fantastic app that helps draw you away from a situation that is stressing you out. It’s design is based on several clinical trials conducted by professionals. It’s quite customizable depending on your needs and specificalities. No matter how you design it for your needs, it remains incredibly easy to use.
I pretty much pull this app up whenever I’m feeling overwhelmed or anxious. I highly recommend pairing it with the environment technique (this is when you focus on only your surroundings with your senses except your eyes). Although, if the combination is too much, don’t mix the two methods and just stick with simple breathing. It’s also completely free!
#2 — stoic.
This app is astoundingly simple, yet effective and efficient in being what everyone needs for mental wellbeing. It provides a plethora of ways to relax, breath, practice positive healthy habits, and helps with tracking your overall progress throughout recovery. There are free quotes, meditation guides, journaling spots. There are in-app purchases for additional features, but you can still use it without paying!
I personally love the simplistic design. It’s enough to appeal to the eyes, not give you a headache, lay everything out easily, and STILL be effective in mindfulness.
#3 — I am
I have to admit, I use this app on a daily basis AND have notifications coming from it several times a day because it’s just that good.
Essentially, the app is filled with countless positive affirmations. You can go on the app and scroll through uplifting phrases. Say them aloud, set notifications on so they pop up during the times of the day where your most stressed, and practice breathing exercises. Having several different positive phrases being delivered to you on a daily basis really helps you focus on the more important parts of life, stay positive, and make you boost your mood. The best part? There are literally hundreds of different phrases applicable to probably every scenario possible.
Today’s positive affirmation : My body deserves to be loved.
Also, check out the other apps by the developer(s), Monkey Tap, such as Motivation — Daily Quotes and Laugh My App Off.
#4 — Any Notes App of Your Choice
Here’s the thing… NOTES ARE GREAT.
Any notes app can apply here, just choose a place you feel the most safe on and jot everything down. Writing out your thoughts, feelings, frustrations, and concerns helps clear your mind and calm down. This is literally the reason why people recommend keeping a journal. The benefit of doing this on an app is that it’s accessible to you wherever. It’s always with you, as opposed to a tangible notebook (I love notebooks as well, but not for journaling or venting out my personal thoughts for this reason. It’s just not capable of being there with me 24/7).
It is really important to have a safe spot to just write out what you need to get off your chest. No matter what you’re going through, it’s crucial to have this space. So pick your spot, and hold nothing back. Remember, no one has to see these notes but you.
Some of my favorite notes apps are Notion, the Notes App from IOS, and Grid Diary.
#5 — Reflect
Similar to note taking, this app is more focused on helping you reflect and grow in a positive light. It gives you a safe, non-judgemental space to really reflect on your day. Like a diary, but more sophisticated and with the goal of helping you recognize who you are, how you can grow, and how to be the best version of yourself. I like to think of it as the closing acknowledgements at the end of books, except more private to you. You can really make it however you want.
Try to focus on documenting your growth and exploring everything you don’t know. For example, write about why you were more stressed today. Not what caused it, but why you reacted as stressed.
I also, like the rest of these, adore the illustrations in this app :D
I hope these apps help you, or at least guide you towards some other tools that help you! Remember, it takes time to find the right thing that works best for you, so don’t give up!