Navigating Your Recovery During the Summer Months

Author: Cindy Binions B.A. ICF

Summer is often seen as a time for relaxation, sunshine, vacations, and social events. For those in eating disorder recovery, the warmer season can bring unique challenges like body image pressures, disrupted routines, and food-focused gatherings. The good news? With the right tools and mindset it is entirely possible to navigate the summer while protecting your recovery. Here are four ways to navigate ED recovery during the summer months:

1. Stick to a Supportive Routine

Summer often brings a more relaxed pace — whether it’s due to time off work, school breaks, or longer evenings. While this change of rhythm can feel refreshing, it can also make it harder to stick to the routines that many find crucial for their recovery. Try to keep consistent wake-up and bedtimes, regular meals and snacks, and daily self-care practices as much as possible. While allowing yourself to be spontaneous is a part of healing, it’s just as important to honour the structure that helps you feel grounded and secure. With time, patience, and the right support, you may find it easier to gradually add flexibility to your routine and recovery.

2. Wear What Makes You Feel Comfortable

Swimsuit season can heighten body image struggles, especially with the flood of “summer body” messaging. It’s important to tune out harmful comparisons and focus on what makes you feel safe and comfortable in your own skin. That may mean trying out styles of clothes you haven’t worn before or maybe it is sticking with what helps you feel more at ease and comfortable. You have every right to show up just as you are and your comfort and recovery matter far more than any seasonal clothing expectations.

3. Prepare for Social Events

Summer is often filled with social gatherings from BBQs, graduations, beach days, weddings, and more. These events can be both exciting and overwhelming in recovery, especially when food is a central focus or when unsolicited comments about eating or bodies come up. Planning ahead can help ease anxiety. Consider what might feel supportive — maybe it’s having a script in mind for responding to comments, bringing a trusted friend, or setting a time limit for how long you’ll stay.

4. Seek Extra Support if Needed

If maintaining your recovery has been feeling challenging, it may be the right time to seek additional support or consider re-entering treatment. Summer can actually be a strategic time for treatment — for students, it’s a break from academic pressures. For parents, summer might offer a slower pace with fewer kids activities to juggle. No matter your situation, reaching out for help is always a valid and courageous decision.

Remember, recovery doesn’t happen in a straight line and summertime can stir up unexpected emotions. What matters most is staying connected to your needs and being gentle with yourself. Every day that you show up for your yourself and your recovery is a step forward and you deserve to enjoy summer in a way that honours your healing. You’ve already come so far, keep going — recovery happens one day and one decision at a time.