Just exactly 7 days to go before the GRE General Exam. I am already in "panic mode" and have developed very unhealthy ways of coping with my test anxiety. For one, I have been gaining a lot of weight. Partly because I study in fast food joints in the early morning and have been eating more junk food than normal. Coupled with that is my increasing and big appetite. I think this is what people call "stress eating". I deal with my anxiety by eating. Indeed a very bad habit to develop!
I read that when you are under high levels of stress, your body's immune system gets affected. It makes it harder for your body to digest food properly -break down the sugar since the sympathetic nervous system is activated ("fight or flight"). If a person is not under stress, the parasympathetic nervous system is at work which is in charge of resting and digesting(sorry, this is info is still after effect of my Neuropsych review and exam last Sat). Hence, prolonged stress coupled with unhealthy diet could lead to diabetes and/or other health problems.
So now, aside from the exam, I am starting to get paranoid that I might have diabetes. Maybe I am just over reacting but I feel that I really need to start getting serious with my diet and lifestyle.
Although New Year is still more than a month away, I have made the following resolutions:
1. Walk daily (ideally) for at least 15-30 minutes (brisk walking). If not possible, at least every other day.
I read that when you are under high levels of stress, your body's immune system gets affected. It makes it harder for your body to digest food properly -break down the sugar since the sympathetic nervous system is activated ("fight or flight"). If a person is not under stress, the parasympathetic nervous system is at work which is in charge of resting and digesting(sorry, this is info is still after effect of my Neuropsych review and exam last Sat). Hence, prolonged stress coupled with unhealthy diet could lead to diabetes and/or other health problems.
So now, aside from the exam, I am starting to get paranoid that I might have diabetes. Maybe I am just over reacting but I feel that I really need to start getting serious with my diet and lifestyle.
Although New Year is still more than a month away, I have made the following resolutions:
1. Walk daily (ideally) for at least 15-30 minutes (brisk walking). If not possible, at least every other day.
2. Avoid junk food and fast food after next week.
3. Add more fiber in my diet - fruits and vegetables.
4. Have myself screened for diabetes.
5. Avoid Coke, artificial juice. Drink more water and/or fresh fruit juices or shakes.
6. Avoid eating snacks. If I really feel the hunger pangs, just eat a cracker or fruit or drink fresh juice.
7. Avoid skipping meals. I notice that when I skip meals, I tend to eat more.
My goal is to lose at least 5 pounds this month and another in December. Hopefully, I can do it with discipline and serious determination.
Wish me luck!
3. Add more fiber in my diet - fruits and vegetables.
4. Have myself screened for diabetes.
5. Avoid Coke, artificial juice. Drink more water and/or fresh fruit juices or shakes.
6. Avoid eating snacks. If I really feel the hunger pangs, just eat a cracker or fruit or drink fresh juice.
7. Avoid skipping meals. I notice that when I skip meals, I tend to eat more.
My goal is to lose at least 5 pounds this month and another in December. Hopefully, I can do it with discipline and serious determination.
Wish me luck!
