Days 1-25 Without Anxiety (Recap)

I've done 25 Challenges, Whoop!



Ahh, I cannot believe I'm already here at the quarter way mark. I may be silly to some but I actually just had a jumping happy dance feeling super proud of myself. Instead of editing another revisiting and nail baiting (I exaggerate obvs) blog post, I've decided to have a pause and look back over the cool, courageous and completely crazy challenges I've done. Also just wanted to take a second to thank everyone that has taken part in a challenge with me, sponsored me, support/encourage me, and to every single one of you who reads these posts, and watches the vids. If you have missed any all the blog posts are HERE and all the videos are up on my Youtube Channel.

How Have I improved?
I've felt different from the very first challenge, and I know they've been spread out over a bit of time but I feel like I have achieved quite a lot and made significant steps within my mental health recovery process. The fact that others have commented on my change in behaviour, mood, attitude and motivation, only reinforces the positivity that is coming from pushing myself out of my comfort zone with every challenge. I'm not going to lie it's still very difficult, I'm still anxious or panicked at sudden changes, miscommunications, oddities of any kind, the way I dress, walk and talk, and eating in front of people. I'm still a bit of a wimp and a scaredy cat. I'm getting there, it may be slow but I'm getting there. I'm so much more than what I was, and so much further. I'm finding it difficult to portray my sentiments in words, I was clinically depressed and anxious, I still am but I'm able to go out and do things on my own which I couldn't before, I can now talk to strangers without thinking like I'm in danger 24/7, I can be a little more adventurous with my wardrobe, I smile and laugh a lot more and I have restored part of my confidence, self-esteem and self-worth. I really am proud of myself and so very thankful to everyone who has helped and/or supported so far.

Hardest Challenges?
I still struggle eating out in restaurants, It's become easier with every challenge I complete but I still get the occasional panic attack in a restaurant or feel self-conscious about how and what I'm eating.

Why is it when we're little we don't care what people think of us when on the beach or in fact anywhere for that matter? Is it simply age? Is it the media? Is it peer pressure, one must conform to society? Why don't we love our bodies or simply not care about them as much as when we were younger? I take my hat off to anyone of any gender, shape or size, who is comfortable in their skin and proud of their figure. My overactive self-conscious mind still makes me want to cover-up. This was the hardest challenge but one of the most rewarding.

My very first ever ad or sponsored post was the most stressful because I wanted to do a good job for the business I was representing. I'm grateful for the opportunity and really glad I took this challenge. I still love the brand and all their products.

Without this challenge, you wouldn't know what I was up to, still not 100% sure If that's a good thing or a bad thing. I love sharing my challenges and the stories I get to tell, It's also been a brilliant way to connect with so many other people in a similar situation, it's lovely to hear from and about all of you. Thanks to everyone that has got in touch. I'm still genuinely very scared before I post a Day Without Anxiety Challenge.
Favourite Challenges?
I'm already contemplating dying it again for the summer this year, the surge of confidence I get with my purple hair is actually incredible. I love the colour and the confidence it brings is on another level,

I have never laughed so much at an adventure course nor whilst editing. I'd love to do another go ape or in fact just another challenge with Justine and Lucy. My support system is actually the best and my friends are incredible.

The most physical yet therapeutic and meditative challenge yet, get me back in a Kayak, please.

I was so scared about this one but it's still one of my favourite challenges to quote Justine " a minute of pain for a lifetime of gain" (watch the video to see what I mean. I love that I finally plucked up the courage to have my seconds done I've wanted to do this since Junior school and finally did it. I wear earrings all the time now and it's a brilliant reminder of what I can do if I put my mind to it, plus it looks pretty.
I'd love to know which challenges you prefer? Comment below or get in touch. 

Update?
I'll be back next Thursday with challenge 26 of the 100 Days Without Anxiety. I'm quite Impressed with myself about how far I've come and the motivation I have to carry on.

If you have any Challenge Ideas; Please comment down below and let me know.
Remember to check out The Video!

Thanks for Reading
xo
You can Catch Up on all the Challenges HERE.

Struggling with Mental Health?
Helpful Links:
    Infoline: 03000 123 3393
    Call: 111 (for urgent needs)
    Helpline: 116 123 (UK & ROI)

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