We all react differently to stress. But it always affects our physiological functions: sleep, appetite, or libido.
In stressful situations, your appetite may considerably increase or all but disappear. Today, we will talk about the latter. If you do not want to eat at all – probably, your body is getting ready to fight the external events. It is tense and wound up. When the situation is perceived as dangerous, the body redistributes its resources. Digestion of food is seen as a process that makes it difficult to fight or run away, so the “I want to eat” function is turned off as “unnecessary”.
But it is important to know that you must eat because without nutrients, your difficult state will get even worse.
How to do it?
○ Set a reminder on your phone, because otherwise, you won’t remember to eat. You hear the signal – eat at least something. Maybe just a little bit: one spoonful of cottage cheese is better than nothing.
○ Eat little by little, without appetite, in small portions, every 2-3 hours. Make sure that you have something that contains protein and complex carbs.
○ Keep a power bar or bag of dried fruit in your purse – your body needs glucose.
○ Drink water. Always keep a bottle of water with you. You must drink water so that the water balance in the body is not disturbed.
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○ If the thought of food repulses you, talk to yourself, as with a child: “One more spoonful – and that’s it. Be patient, my dear. You need food to stay strong.”
○ Do some minimum physical activity. No need for active sports – now is not the time for this: simple exercise or walking is enough. This will help get your appetite back.
○ Take vitamins.
○ It is necessary to reduce the level of anxiety: breathing techniques will help (see our Psychosutra section), muscle relaxation according to Jacobson, and grounding techniques. When the nervous system calms down, your appetite will return.
The loss of appetite is not a disease – it is a symptom that indicates that your body is working in emergency mode. You need to help it by fulfilling its basic vital needs: food and sleep. It will be easier to deal with stress.
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