On a health kick!🦵 (+Anxiety tip)
Decided I’m not going to eat any fast food.
Also decided to not put a time table on it but see how far I can get without it.
I’ve been trying to do little social things to help with my social anxiety and turns out just going out to get some food or slowly shop helps.
Some things my therapist has told me that help.
Focus on smell, a specific color, a pattern on things, feel the air, look at the sky!
Turns out it’s all about taking your body out of survival mode! Nervous system regulating.
Breathing exercises help along with just being outside. You don’t have to be in a crowd just make it a point to talk to one person. My fav- a compliment. Pick something, any thing and tell them you love it!
When the day feels heavy go out and make it about someone else instead of staying in your tiny bubble.
Starting a health kick by eliminating fast food can be both a physical and mental journey. Many people find that removing fast food from their diet leads to more energy and better overall health. However, the challenge often lies not just in food choices but also in managing anxiety that might interfere with routine activities like eating out or shopping. Social anxiety can make even simple outings feel overwhelming. One valuable tip is focusing on your senses: notice a specific smell, a color, or patterns around you. This mindfulness technique helps ground you in the present, pulling your mind away from anxious thoughts. Also, paying attention to the air on your skin or looking up at the sky can help shift your nervous system out of survival mode, promoting calmness. Breathing exercises are another powerful tool. Deep, slow breaths send signals to your brain that you are safe, helping to regulate your nervous system and reduce stress levels. Even if you don’t want to be in a crowd, spending time outside and connecting with just one person can make a significant difference. Offering a genuine compliment creates a positive social engagement and can boost your confidence step by step. Making outings about others rather than your own anxiety can also shift focus and reduce feelings of isolation. Acts of kindness, even something small like acknowledging someone’s outfit or smile, can enhance your mood and help you reconnect socially. Including DIY meals like a poke bowl can be a nutritious alternative to fast food, giving you control over ingredients and portion sizes while keeping meals fresh and enjoyable. Tracking your progress without imposing a strict timetable allows for flexibility and reduces pressure, making sustainable change more achievable. Overall, combining dietary decisions with mindful social activities and anxiety management strategies creates a holistic approach to a healthier lifestyle that nurtures both body and mind.
