As a human in today’s world, we have more choice than ever before. With that, a lot of diseases and illnesses that exist today are because of overindulgence. In developed countries, obesity is an epidemic, diabetes is on the rise and we are addicted to electronics. We are always looking to add something new to our lives, buy the newest phone, eat the newest super food. You go to a doctor and they prescribe you a new medicine to take.
Well, over the last the month, I’ve been trying to abstain from certain things. Unintentionally, I’ve always intermittently fasted for some period of the day; but I’ve been more strict recently, and now I’ll make sure I eat all my food within an 8 hour window (10 at the most). Aside from the health benefits everyone constantly bangs on about, logistically, my day is simpler and doesn’t revolve around food. I’ve cut bread out my diet. It might not sound a lot, but I was having bread for lunch everyday. I’ve replaced it with veggies, eggs and meat.
I’ve stopped playing video games. Should 24 year-old men be playing video games in the first place? I’ll let you decide, but I knew (deep down) it wasn’t a healthy obsession for me.
Nicotine. For the last 6 years I’ve been through various relationships with nicotine from smoking once every few months, to smoking once daily, to smoking a few times daily, to vaping, to giving up completely, to vaping, to smoking once a week, to smoking once a day, to giving up completely. This is where I am at the moment and it’s been a couple of weeks with no nicotine.
Caffeine. Similar to nicotine, but I allow myself to have one drink with caffeine in it, once a week. I used to be addicted to Pepsi and drink at least a can a day. I look forward to my can (as it’s a treat, I have Red Bull now) of caffeine once a week.
Alcohol. Never been a big drinker, prefer smoking, so only drink on occasion.
So how do I feel? Better than I did, for sure. I sleep better, I eat healthier and I have more energy. Don’t get me wrong, trying something new can be exhilarating, scary and awesome all at the same time. But cutting back, or cutting out things in your life which might feel ‘nice’ that you know are ultimately holding you back can feel pretty awesome too. It also feels great to develop self-discipline which can translate into many other parts of your life.
In our cluttered world today, give something up and see how you feel.
See you later.
Mr Anxiety 