Fasting has many mental and physical health benefits, but it can be difficult to maintain your composure while going through a fast. Many people experience intense hunger while fasting, which can lead to feelings of frustration and irritability. Going into a fast with the right attitude is key if you want to make it out unscathed. In this post, we’ll discuss how to fast without getting angry or feeling frustrated.
Know Your Limits
One of the keys to successful fasting is knowing your limits. If you push yourself too hard, you risk angering yourself and losing sight of the goal of completing your fast. It’s important to be aware of the signs that you may need to take a break or call it quits for the day. If you start feeling very irritable or frustrated, it’s time to give yourself some much needed rest and maybe even consider breaking your fast earlier than anticipated.
Practice Mindful Eating
When you’re fasting, it can be easy to lose sight of mindful eating practices. During a regular mealtime, thoughtfully chewing food helps create an awareness that makes it easier not to overeat. However, during a period of fasting when hunger becomes more prevalent and intense, we are more likely to unconsciously grab food in order to suppress our discomfort rather than engage in mindful eating practices. To help cultivate mindfulness during your dry spell, focus on slowing down when consuming meals and incorporating relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or progressive muscle relaxation- this will help increase body awareness which can reduce impulsive indulging later on in the fast period.
Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated throughout the duration of your fast is essential for keeping up energy levels and staving off frustration due to hunger pangs. Dehydration can cause headaches, dizziness and mental fatigue which often leads to increased irritability; aim for at least 8 glasses of water per day when fasting in order keep dehydration at bay! Additionally avoid consuming any caffeinated beverages such as coffee or soda- they’re diuretics which means they increase water excretion from your body which could exacerbate dehydration symptoms if consumed in excess while already dehydrated by fasting.
Alter Your Diet Pre-Fast
Changes in diet should begin prior to initiating a fast; begin cutting back on processed foods like chips or cookies several days before embarking on an extended period without eating in order support smooth transition into this state. Processed foods are usually high calorie snacks but low in nutrition; meaning they promote satiety but don’t necessarily signal fullness or satisfaction due their lack of fiber & protein . Also try adding fresh fruits & vegetables into your daily meals as these foods are packed with vitamins & minerals essential for maintaining overall health and wellbeing pre-fast – aiding in successful transition post-fast too!
Use Distraction Techniques
It’s common during periods where hunger might become more intense during fasting cycles (e.g., mid afternoon snacking cravings) that people turn towards distraction techniques such as reading books/articles , practice breathing exercises (like 4-7-8 technique) or listening/watching uplifting music/shows/podcasts – this kind of emotional “buffering” allows those trying out extended periods without eating maintain concentration higher levels so they don’t think about food all day long…which could lead frustration & anger! So why not try out any one these tricks next time hunger strikes? Following these tips will help ensure that you experience fewer feelings of anger and frustration while also reaping all the amazing benefits associated with fasting properly! Don’t forget that patience is key here: no matter how hungry you get remember why you began this journey – completed successfully with little setback then what better reward than knowing YOU DID IT!