Doing Yoga or Tai Chi can be highly beneficial in eating disorder recovery because they promote mindfulness, body awareness, and stress reduction without focusing on weight or appearance. Both practices encourage present-moment awareness, helping individuals reconnect with their bodies in a non-judgmental way. They can reduce dissociation (feeling disconnected from the body), which is common in eating disorders. Yoga and Tai Chi can help to reduce stress and anxiety by activating the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation and reducing stress-related eating disorder triggers. They also lower cortisol levels (the stress hormone), which can help regulate appetite. Many people with eating disorders struggle with compulsive exercise. Yoga and Tai Chi offer gentle, intuitive movement rather than intense, calorie-driven workouts. These practices focus on how the body feels rather than how it looks, fostering self-compassion. Both disciplines teach breathing techniques and meditative focus, helping individuals cope with urges, anxiety, and emotional distress. Practicing self-compassion through movement can counter negative self-talk and perfectionism often associated with eating disorders. The gentle movements can improve digestion and circulation, which may be disrupted by eating disorders. Certain yoga poses (like twists and forward bends) can help with bloating and discomfort from reintroducing foods into recovery. Attending yoga or Tai Chi classes (especially trauma-informed ones) can provide social support and a sense of belonging without a focus on appearance or fitness levels. Classes in your area can be found by googling yoga (or tai chi) classes near m e. Those of us who are not in a financial position to pay for classes can find guided lessons on You Tube, including all levels. I would suggest you check out the you tube videos before you decide to sign up for an actual class, if this is something you are interested in. Trying it out via youtube videos may save you from spending money on a class that you find out is not for you.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
I know and believe that those of us who suffer from an ED of any type can beat it. It is hard work and at times feels impossible; but I am sure it is a goal that is obtainable to all of you out there.
KEEP YOUR CHIN UP! Take baby steps towards your recovery, put one foot in front of the other and know, with a capital K, you CAN do it. Even if you can’t see it now, the world needs you!
Wings of Recovery 