Lucy Hale, widely recognized for her role in "Pretty Little Liars," has courageously shared her struggles with addiction and eating disorders, offering a message of hope and resilience to those facing similar challenges. Her journey is a testament to the power of self-compassion, perseverance, and a holistic approach to wellness.
The Beginning of the Struggle
Hale's journey with body image issues and disordered eating began with an obsession with movement, which eventually spiraled into restrictive eating habits. As she revealed on the "Diary of a CEO" podcast, this obsession grew into something that consumed her life, making it difficult to enjoy even simple things or engage in conversations. It's a miracle that I even started working and could focus on acting," she continued. "Because when I mean it was a constant loop, I don't know how I got out of it. The thing with eating disorders is it can always creep back up on you.
Simultaneously, Hale battled with alcohol use, a struggle that began at a young age. She admitted to her first experience drinking at age 14 up until a year ago, I've had a problem. Hale first opened up about her alcohol use in 2023 on The Diary of a CEO with Steven Bartlett podcast. “I have never talked publicly about being sober-I have a little over a year of sobriety. I have been working on getting sober since I was 20. I’m 33. It took time. It took patience with myself,” she shared.
Hitting Rock Bottom and Choosing Change
In 2022, Hale reached what she described as "rock bottom," prompting her to make a life-altering decision on January 2 of that year. “I knew if I continued on that path, I would’ve lost everything I cared about. It was the scariest choice in my life, but also it’s been the best gift. When I made that change, everything else changed.
This turning point marked the beginning of her journey toward sobriety and a more balanced approach to life. Hale recognized that her coping mechanisms were self-destructive and self-sabotaging, and she needed to find healthier ways to manage her struggles.
Read also: Competitive Swimming and Fitness
Embracing Sobriety and Sharing Her Story
Hale has been candid about her sobriety journey, sharing her experiences on various platforms, including the "Call Her Daddy" podcast and the "Diary of a CEO" podcast. She revealed that being under the influence made her feel like it was the 'real Lucy,' as alcohol silenced the constant chatter in her mind. Hale told PEOPLE in 2024 that in 2022, she felt she had hit “rock bottom,” leading her to make the choice on January 2 of that year to turn things around.
Now, with over two years of sobriety, Hale feels empowered to share her story and inspire others. "Now I can show up exactly who I am and share my story, and to actually be able to talk about this is so freeing because it's not chaining me down anymore," she continued. "It takes the power away from it. I can be Lucy, which is not always cute at times.
A Holistic Approach to Wellness
Hale emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach to wellness, encompassing mind, body, and spirit. She incorporates various practices into her daily life to maintain her sobriety and overall well-being.
Mental and Spiritual Practices
Prayer and meditation are integral to Hale's daily routine, helping her to stay grounded and connected to her inner self. She also engages in digital detoxes to disconnect from the constant stimulation of technology and create space for introspection. Talk therapy and energy sessions further support her mental and emotional well-being.
Physical Activity and Intuitive Movement
Hale prioritizes physical activity but emphasizes the importance of listening to her body and honoring its needs. "I'm a believer in mind, body and spirit. … I try to get some sort of movement every day, but I really listen to my body and what it needs. If I'm not feeling it that day, I won’t do it. I love hiking, pilates, yoga, and strength training and mix up my workouts so I don’t get bored. She enjoys a variety of activities, including hiking, Pilates, yoga, and strength training, and mixes up her workouts to prevent boredom.
Read also: Optimizing Performance: Charles-Barclay's Plan
Self-Compassion and Forgiveness
Hale recognizes that recovery is not a linear process and emphasizes the importance of self-compassion and forgiveness. "Through grace, compassion, self-forgiveness and commitment, I have been able to turn my life around. … There is a new life on the other side of choosing yourself one baby step at a time," she noted. She acknowledges that setbacks may occur, but it's crucial to keep moving forward with kindness and understanding toward oneself.
Honored for Her Advocacy and Humanitarian Work
Hale's commitment to sharing her story and advocating for others struggling with addiction has earned her recognition and accolades. She was honored with the Humanitarian Award at the Friendly House Annual Luncheon for her work with the non-profit residential substance abuse recovery program and their mission to empower and strengthen women in addiction.
"This award means so much more to me than my own sobriety and journey. It represents the strength and vulnerability of everyone who has walked a similar path," Hale said. "I know that without the love, support, and resources I've had on my own journey that my life would look very different today. Every single woman and person deserves those same experiences," she continued.
Read also: Weight Loss Journey: Lucy Tacoma FD