Before I give you my best 7 tips to avoid stress when going vegan, let me remind you that you can grab your free printable here. That way you can print it and keep it by your side as a reminder.
Okay.
Going vegan can be fun or stressful. It’s entirely up to you how this journey will go and because I know no one wants to feel like shit when trying to create a healthier lifestyle, I want to help you.
Although my transition phase was exciting and joyful, I did feel stressed sometimes because I didn’t have anyone to guide me or someone who I could ask for advice.
At one point I became even more depressed and had to really step back and look at the bigger picture. Basically, I had to put myself first and be mindful of how my mental state will affect how I speak about veganism and how successful I can be as an activist.
The additional depression only lasted for about a year or two, and then I put myself first and truly started prioritizing my health. That led to me becoming a better person and a better advocate for other animals.
We may not know each other, but we care about the most innocent among us and that makes us very similar. It also means that I care about how you’ll feel while going vegan. I don’t want any more sad vegans, I want happy vegans.
Here are 7 ways to avoid stress when going vegan:
- Take a few weeks to slowly transition.
Too many people rush into becoming vegan and later find themselves struggling because their bodies didn’t get the time to get used to the new diet. Or their friends left them because they became a totally different human that doesn’t eat chicken nuggets anymore. Take a few weeks to transition and be mindful of what steps you take. Think of this slow transition as an investment for a happier veggie lifestyle. That way you will gradually ease your mind and body into new habits.
- Follow vegans on social media (or read their blogs).
When I decided I wanted to go vegan I followed like a hundred vegans on different social media platforms. Not only was I learning about veganism and animal rights but I also felt less alone. I could talk to them in the comments or send a nice message. Make sure you follow me on Instagram and Pinterest. I am always posting new things that will help you on your journey. Plus, you can talk to me whenever you feel lonely and upset.
- Ask your friends and family for support.
If you don’t ask, you don’t receive. Yes, some people will think you went crazy and will start avoiding you. But if we tell them that this means a lot to us they are going to be much nicer about it.
- Read books and educate yourself.
This is by far the most important thing you can do for your vegan journey. Read books on nutrition and learn about how to thrive on a plant-based diet.
- Meditate.
I could talk about the benefits of meditation all day long, but let me just point you to my post where I talk about why it’s important that you start a meditation practice.
- Find vegans in your area and hang out.
This will be easier if you live in the city and if you are extroverted, but even if you are like me, a countryside gal that has social anxiety, you will be able to find a few vegan groups that operate in a nearby city or town. Push yourself and hang out at least once to experience the beautiful feeling of talking to people who love all animals just like you do.
- Create a healthy self-care routine.
I think it’s important we make ourselves a priority because if we are happy, healthy and if we avoid stress we are more of help to others. I always say that you can’t save anyone if you are dead. It’s true.
These are all the things I wish I did when I was transitioning. Sure, I enjoyed that phase and it was fun, but I also experienced so many negative emotions because I didn’t know how to handle all the cruelty I was now exposed to.
As I mentioned at the beginning, you can download your free printable here and get all the 7 tips in one place.
I know some changes are scary but this one need not be one of them. I truly believe you can have fun while going vegan even with all the negative information you will learn along the way. You just have to listen to yourself and know why this matters to you.
If you want even more awesome vegan tips and advice (plus, tricks to avoid stress), please make sure you are following me on Instagram.
Tanja
