Eating and Stress
A good diet can reduce stress and increase productivity. It is amazing how a lot of the people I know are in the medical field, either as an Instructor or Clinical and do not practice what they preach.... Changing my diet over the last two weeks has increased my energy and attitude. Stress has been reduced. Try it.
I agree with you. I use to pick up fast foods on my way to teach. Luckily, we have a Whole Foods that offers a raw and hot food bar. I choose healthy choices at the food bar and it has changed my life and attitude tremendously.
Antonette, Sounds like a challenge. Sometimes when people can't eat, protein or fruit / vegetable shakes work well. They can give you the calories and nutrients you need to keep your head in the game.
Dr. Melissa Read
Christina, Interesting challenge and I know many instructors like you. My best recommendation when this happens is to focus on eating the healthiest foods you can. Sometimes when we eat healthy, we feel a little more balanced and it gets us back on track.
Dr. Melissa Read
I can't really eat when I'm stress and when I get home that's the time I eat, which causes tummy ache. Ulcer can occur. I can't gain my energy, just waiting for Friday so I could rest for the weekend. Sad for now, but I will improve my attitude and try to handle my stress wisely.
I experience the opposite. When stressed, I eat more and my appetite is increased. I like what you said about not eating healthy adding to the problem.
I have recently noticed that adjusting my sleeping habits and eating habits really does increase energy and add to productivity. Try more "fresh fruits and veggies". Hydration and reducing sugar intake helps also. "Stress eating" like raiding the vending machines at the workplace does add to the problem.
My problem is I have always been an "emotional eater" Whenever I had a bad day at school, my Mom would say "here are some cookies, they will make you feel all better" I continued that self medicating with food ever since. When I am happy, I celebrate with food, sad or mad, I cheer up with food. It is a hard habit to break. Tracy
Carmen, So true. It's critical to get proper nutrients and the right amount of water. These essentials can make a huge difference on our health and outlook.
Dr. Melissa Read
You are what you eat. We need to make sure we have adequate nutrition for our bodies and our minds.
Kristin, That sounds like a tough challenge. Overeating can cause added stress- beyond the stress you currently experience. It might be good if you found another coping mechanism as a substitute to this one. Perhaps try exercise or listening to music. These will have more positive benefits than negative ones.
Dr. Melissa Read
I find myself eating out of stress - or maybe just as a procrastination "tool" - when I am planning a lesson or creating a PowerPoint or worksheet that I have not fully thought out or am unsure of how I want to present exactly. I think sitting down to work just because you know you SHOULD BE can be really bad; we should really only sit down to work when actually inspired and ready to put something on paper. Maybe this is more related to procrastination than eating, but since I've been gaining weight due to this bad habit, I thought I'd post it here.
Good eating habbits are very important. I've noticed when eating the wrong things, it gives me heart burn. Also, when stressed it takes away my appetite. However, I do unerstand that stress can cause great helth problems so if one does not eat healthy it will only add to the problem.
I sometimes forget to drink the amount of water I should. I do notice when I don't drink enough water I can end up with a headache. I now to try to keep bottled water in my refrigerator at all times at work. This keeps me hydrated and feeling bettter!
Elizabeth, It sounds like we all have a lot to learn from your healthy living style. Yes, getting plenty of water is so important. Often times, this simple change can make a dramatic difference on how we feel. Raw vegetables are likely giving you great vitamins too, in addition to your supplements.
Dr. Melissa Read
Diet and hydration are keys to staying healthy and stress free. I try and make sure I drink at least 32 - 64 oz of water a day and take a B vitamin along with a diet of lean protein and raw veggies. It is very noticeable when I slip up and don't get a good meal in, but as soon as I get back on track I always feel much better.
Jeffrey, So true. It's amazing how many people have a 'case of the shoe cobblers shoes.' Being an expert at health and wellness is great, but only if you use your knowledge to help yourself stay healthy and happy too.
Dr. Melissa Read
i agree, i have tried that and reduced and eliminated things like caffeine from my diet and found myself less irritable as well, more water intake helps, and also a more balanced diet with a multivitamin, i always tell my students you cant put bad things in machines and expect them to run, we need to remember that too as educators for ourselves.
