Negative self-talk, chaotic playlists, endless comparison… your nervous system is fed way more than your stomach ever is. Here’s how to take back control.

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I hate the word diet.

It’s overused, dramatic, and usually comes with a side of guilt. But for the sake of this conversation , I’m going to use it anyway.

Because whether you like it or not, you are on a diet.

Just not only a food one.

Your real diet is what you listen to.

The things you say to yourself before coffee. The playlist you think doesn’t affect you (spoiler: it does). The conversations you sit through politely while your body quietly tenses. The news you scroll through before bed. The comments people make about bodies, success, health, and worth , including your own.

Congratulations. You’re consuming all of it.

And some of it? Not exactly nourishing.

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The Internal Monologue Is Real (And Not Just You)

Almost every client I work with starts our very first session the same way.

“I’m fat.”
“I’m unhealthy.”
“I’m a mess.”
“I’m unmotivated.”

No warm-up. No context. Just straight to self-critique.

Not I feel off today. Not I’m learning. But I am.

And here’s the thing: research shows that nearly all women notice negative body thoughts daily (yes, almost everyone… you’re not alone).
Every time I hear this, I think: If someone else talked to you like this, you’d probably call them out. Why is it okay when it’s you?

Your brain listens to everything you say about yourself. Your body responds. Chronic self-criticism isn’t motivation… it’s stress.

You deserve better than that.

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Your Playlist Actually Matters

Music isn’t just background noise.

Tempo affects heart rate. Lyrics sneak into your thoughts. Energy shifts your mood. Studies show that what you hear can change your emotional and physiological state (translation: it’s real, it’s science, it’s not woo).

Yet we’ll keep looping aggressive, hopeless, or anxious songs and wonder why we feel off.

You can have your moods, but you don’t need to marinate in them.

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Comparison = The Ultimate Thief of Joy

Social media, casual comments, or overheard conversations all shape how you feel.

Even a few minutes of scrolling can lower mood and body satisfaction in women. Nearly 40% of girls want to change something about their appearance, and many hear negative body messages from people in their lives.

Your nervous system picks up on this. You’re not weak for feeling it … you’re human.

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Information Is a Nutrient Too

News, social media, wellness advice… it all counts.

Overload increases stress and makes decision-making harder. Taking short breaks from social media can boost self-esteem and body image, proving that your environment impacts your well-being.

Being informed doesn’t mean being overwhelmed.

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Why This Matters for Women

Women often carry the weight of self-surveillance, monitoring appearance, emotions, and behavior. When your mind is full of negative messages and comparison, it’s no wonder stress shows up in mood, energy, and hormones.

That’s why paying attention to what you listen to… words, music, conversations, and media… matters more than you think.

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Action Steps (Because Awareness Without Action Is Just Vibes)

Start small. Start honest.

1. Notice your self-talk for one day.
No fixing. No judging. Just notice.

2. Make one calming playlist.
Music that actually helps your body feel grounded.

3. Shift your environment when you can.
Leave conversations, mute the group chat, or change the energy.

4. Be selective with information.
Ask: Does this inform me or inflame me?

5. Reframe your language.
Swap “I am” for “I’m learning” or “I’m working on.” Words matter.

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You don’t need a perfect diet.

You need a safer one.

For your brain. For your mood. For your health.

– Olivia Jade