When life becomes very hectic, one of the first things to go is taking care of one’s body. During very busy or stressful times, people stop drinking enough water, and gravitate to fast or junk food. There are a variety of reasons that this tends to occur (such as forgetting to do these things or feeling like there’s not enough time). By not taking the time to take care of your body, your stress level is increased. You are more likely to experience headaches, increased tiredness, and things like diarrhea or constipation.
It’s good to firmly place in your mind that taking care of your body is very important and a productive use of your time. If you know you have a busy or stressful time coming up, make plans for how you can get easy access to healthy snacks (such as fruit, vegetables, or nuts). Also, take the extra time to find a restaurant with healthier foods (such as baked fish or salads) if you can’t eat at home. You won’t regret taking the extra time to take care of yourself during a stressful, and the act of doing this will also give you a break during which you can breathe easy for a little while.
Facts to Note:
A recent study found that a diet high in fruits and vegetables, and avoiding processed foods, was associated with better mental health. Participants in the study were less likely to be depressed, and eating processed foods was associated with increased anxiety.
Another recent study found that adults who consistently consumed fast food, were 40% more likely to develop symptoms of depression.