Skipped Lunch, Ate Everything At Night: How To Stop The Cycle

Self-abandonment doesn’t always look dramatic.

Sometimes it’s skipping meals until we’re too hungry to think straight, or reaching for food late at night when emotions feel too heavy.

Sometimes it’s cancelling a walk or class we know would help, because numbness feels safer than showing up.

These patterns don’t make us weak — they’re coping strategies.

In the moment, they protect us from pain or overwhelm we’re not ready to face.

But when coping becomes our default, it starts to harm us more than it helps.

This is where self-abandonment quietly takes root, pulling us further from the care our bodies and minds actually need.

Here are some practical statements and reminders you can use to come back to yourself in three key areas where self-abandonment often shows up: food, movement, and self-soothing.

Food: Returning to Nourishment

• Food is not punishment or reward — it is nourishment.

• I deserve meals that give me steady energy.

• One binge does not define me — I can return to balance at the next meal.

• Choosing real, whole food is an act of care, not restriction.

• I can slow down and listen to my body’s needs.

• My worth is not tied to how bloated or slim I feel.
  

Exercise & Movement: Reclaiming Connection

• Moving my body is a gift, not a chore.

• Even a short walk counts — it is enough.

• I do not need to wait until I feel perfect to begin.

• Exercise lifts my mood and clears my mind.

• My walks / workouts are not obligations — they are ways I honour myself.

• Skipping once doesn’t mean I’ve failed; I can always try again tomorrow.

Self-Soothing: Choosing Gentleness Over Shame

• I can comfort myself without harming myself.

• I am allowed to rest without guilt.

• Small steps are still steps forward.

• I can choose gentleness over shame.

• The critical voice is learned; my true voice is kinder.

• I can choose which voice I listen to.

• I am safe in this moment.

• I don’t need to be perfect to deserve peace.

Closing: Ways to Support Your Body

Self-abandonment is the opposite of care. The more we practice small acts of nourishment, movement, and gentleness, the more we build resilience against shame and stress.

If you’re looking for a safe space to reconnect with your body, I offer classes tailored to different needs and life stages:

• Burnout & Body Pain For stress and fatigue that show up as aches or tension. Mix of Pilates, fascia work, mobility, rest practices, and strength — tailored to what your body needs.
  

• Perimenopause & Menopause Focus on bone strength, balance, core stability, and stress regulation through Pilates and yoga.
  

• Trauma-Informed Yoga Choice-based and grounding. Builds safety and body connection without pressure.
  

• Restorative Yoga Supported poses for deep rest and nervous system reset.
  

• Gentle Yoga Accessible, slower-paced movements with breath awareness.
  

• Yoga Therapy Personalised sessions for specific health conditions.
  

• Strength & Mobility Functional strength and joint health through Pilates, mobility drills, and progressive training.
  

Each class is another way of saying: I am here. I am choosing to stay with myself.