Exit Strategies And Parking Garages

Perhaps this is too self revealing but on multiple occasions I have found myself unable to exit a parking garage.

It seems to be a combination of my getting turned around directionally as well as unclear signage.

It is when I realize that I am going around in circles that I have to stop myself and MAKE myself go a different way.

My brain is wired to want to be right, even if it clearly is not.

Making myself turn in a direction that my brain does not want me to go feels so awkward. LIke brushing my teeth with my left hand.

But here is my point.

If you are stuck, you will have to do something new or different to get unstuck.

Logically this makes so much sense, of course.

But when you go to do that new thing….oh dear! Beware of self sabotage.

Your brain is not really the bad guy here…it really does care for your safety {and comfort}.

Acknowledging that what you are doing is not working takes courage as well as the ability to be uncomfortable while you try something new.

Here is an example which may or may not be a personal IRL experience.

I sit down at night to watch a show.

I know I am not hungry or need extra calories that snacking would provide…and yet.

I have established a pattern of eating while netflixing so not doing so will cause discomfort…oh dear!

Nighttime show watching is supposed to be an escape from all things uncomfortable…so what?! to do?

Some people might just give up on the show binging all together and that would be an option, but I would offer that you CAN train your brain not to need food+media consumption.

Want to know a little trick? This may seem hokie but there is science behind it. trust me.

When you find yourself watching TV and feeling the snacking urge…take an object that can easily be held in one hand and pass it back and forth between your two hands until the urge to eat leaves.

As you pass your round stone, stress ball or whatever object you have chosen, say to yourself: I can watch and not eat and feel content.

Say it again.

Like a mantra.

The thing is, giving yourself something to do and a new thought is the secret to rewiring your urge+TV viewing.

I understand this example is relatively harmless.

I also understand that the majority of humans consume food while watching TV.

Go ahead. Be the change.

And PS. This works on bigger rewiring jobs as well.

xoKathleen