Mindfulness Matters
What is mindfulness?
Paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment, without judgment
True or False: There are bad emotions that should be avoided.
False
What kind of thought might follow a body image trigger?
"They look so much better than me" or "I shouldn't have eaten that"
The ability to see multiple perspectives and adjust thinking - Two things can be true at once!
What does EDB stand for?
Emotion-Driven Behavior
Name one way to ground yourself using your senses.
5-4-3-2-1 - naming things you can see, hear, feel, etc.
OR
Ice / cold water on skin
What is one function of fear?
Protect us from danger
What physical sensation might come with anxiety?
Racing heart, tight chest, nausea, etc.
What is an example of black-and-white thinking
"If I eat dessert, I've failed completely"
What makes a behavior "emotion-driven"
Used to escape or control an emotion
How can mindfulness help with eating disorder thoughts?
Noticing them without acting or judging them
What can sadness show us?
Need for support, validation, and connection
How do behaviors reinforce thoughts?
Acting on a thought makes it feel more true
Name a skill for practicing flexible thinking
Reappraising / "Yes, and..."
What is an example of approaching the emotion instead of avoiding?
Journaling about sadness instead of doom scrolling to feel numb
True or False: Mindfulness is about getting rid of uncomfortable thoughts
False!
Name 3 parts of an emotional response
Thoughts, physical sensations, and behaviors
Describe the connection between emotions and ED behaviors
Behaviors often try to control or avoid emotions
Reappraise: "There are too many carbs in this meal, and I can't make myself do it"
"Carbs are a part of balanced eating, and I can cope with the feeling that is coming up"
Name a skill to replace an EDB with a valued action
Opposite action, urge surfing, using wise mind, ARCing
Describe mindful eating
Being aware, using all your senses, noticing hunger/fullness cues, taste/texture
How can understanding the function of emotions reduce eating disorder behaviors?
Helps identify the real need behind the feeling so we can respond differently
Name a skill to separate thoughts from facts
"Thought labeling" or "Checking the facts"
How does flexibility reduce emotional suffering?
Allows room for new, healthier responses and less rigidness
How do all UT skills work together to support recovery?
They increase awareness, reduce avoidance, build emotional tolerance, and help makes choices aligned with values instead of urges and negative core beliefs.