Waking up with disappointment and stress (and turning it around)

3/31/2019

Sometimes it's hard to be positive and patient with your progress. This is how I handled waking up feeling bad and disappointed with my body.

Woman sitting in bed with lots of pillows holding coffee looking sad

The last 5 lbs I would need to feel truly good with how I look (in all clothes, not just my flowy tops) have been quite stubborn, because things keep creeping up like girl's night, making brownies to cheer my boyfriend up after a rough day at work, emotional eating, and the latest; the in-laws brought candy from IKEA. (Being Swedish, this is an amazing rare treat.)

I want to enjoy life, and eating delicious baked goods with friends is definitely worth it for me (in moderation). But it's still hard to accept my slow progress sometimes, because a lot of it is because I will go through a whole bag of chips because I had a shitty day.

Especially since I have a boudoir photoshoot booked in April which I'm super excited (and quite nervous!) about! While they are literally pros in positioning you in the most flattering poses, I still want to look as good as possible, obviously.

This is probably the main reason for my stress: I know I have a deadline that's quickly approaching and will be forever there in photo proof.

Girl in pink bra and tattoos posing, looking over her shoulder

Photo by Gabriel Nunes

This is why I started using the YouAte app again a few days ago, to try and be more mindful about what and when I eat things. Since it doesn't track calories (I don't need that extra stress and work right now!), just if it's "on path" or "off path," it will help me think a bit harder when I feel like stuffing a whole bag of candy in my mouth to make up for something that went badly. (It's really the worst revenge.)

Since waking up with anxiety is the worst, I took my own advice: I did something about it. Instead of letting my stomach continue curling into a hard knot, I felt that doing some yoga would be wonderful. I haven't done it in a long time, but doing something positive with my body that would also calm my mind is just what I needed. Since it's been lovely weather the past few days we've had the windows open 24/7, so I even got to do my sun salutations in fresh air to bird song. :)

Woman in black dress doing yoga on balcony with plants

Photo by Avrielle Suleiman

While I'm not 100% anxiety-free (there are a lot of things going on right now), I do feel better about myself and I calmed the specific stress I wanted to get rid off. My body feels relaxed and strong and wearing flattering yoga pants will just cheer you right up. ;) Now I can build on this by walking the dogs and have a healthy breakfast.

So if you woke up with anxiety today, think about what would make it better. Journaling? A walk? Crafting? A workout? A funny romcom? Try to listen to your body, think about what has worked in the past, and give it a shot. Even if it doesn't have the desired effect you still did something positive for yourself and that is something to be proud of. :)

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