This is one area where drastically changing my consumption lifestyle automatically helped to eliminate many of the grocery store stressors that used to pluck my every last nerve, repeatedly, along with helping me better manage and navigate many of the "dis-eases" I'd been diagnosed with. It took quite a while to learn how to more healthily navigate it though after thinking I already knew what I was eating, which unfortunately eliminated about 80% of the products most stores around here carry and that I used to stock up on, so I guess it was eventually helpful for the overall navigation/potential panic process, but was one hell of a punch in the gut for the realization of what they're actually passing off as edible and supposedly nurturing substances, and the nasty side effects of each. I no longer shop in the sections that offer any of the following items: meat, dairy, eggs, alcohol, caffeine, gluten, and highly processed artificial stuff, so that helped greatly eliminate much of the real estate I need to cover when I get there. I still find it funny/sad that only one or two aisles, if that much, are marked "Health Food". What does that say for the rest of the store's food, ya' know?
I no longer venture into most of the aisles and departments that are typically the most busy, we grow some of our own stuff, barter what we grow for other stuff we don't grow, get much of our produce from local folks during garden season, visit farmers' markets, hit up Aldi's for the beans/shrooms and other produce varieties I can't find locally, or that are out of season, and the other stores in our hood each have specific items I now know are the best deal, so I only go in to go straight to those shelves and then get the hell out. I often check the produce clearance rack and the other clearance racks as I often luck into some amazing deals on the foods most often passed over by others. I do a grocery tour now instead of just one visit, which can be daunting on a shitty day, but then again, simply breathing can be bothersome on those days.
I tend to be comfortable most days engaging others in random conversations, too, so that helps a lot. To me, venturing out has become more of an entertainment factor than a major stressor, but I do have to remain very mindful of my head space and the ability to get the hell out of there quickly based on smells, etc. before doing so. Some days it's just best if I don't. Other days, perceived assholes and obstacles seem to outnumber my ability to ground myself, making it necessary for me to abort my mission. Grateful for a hubby who's willing to go when I can't.
I recently tried the online grocery order/pick-up at the local wally world neighborhood market on one of my more "off" days and that was nice. I was able to avoid all the chemical camouflage most folks refer to as "good hygiene" that makes me sick for days. You have to plan ahead for that, though, as you can't pick up what you order until at least 5 hours later than when you place the order, and must spend at least $30 to use it....which also can help with impulse purchases and such, but sucks if you don't need/can't afford that much the day you need stuff. It felt really weird to me to unpack bags of stuff I didn't pick off the shelf myself, but once I got everything put away, it felt like I had just pampered myself. Which brings it's own load of guilt attached, still. You'd think being able to navigate the basics would eventually become easier, but so much of our existence is one hell of a challenge. Wishing everyone more pleasant navigating of the masses in all regards. It's a jungle out there!
