I'm 20 yrs old, a visual communication student.i am having a hard time dealing with the sudden change in food habits, sleeping habits and stress management. the climate is also very unhealthy and is adding on to my health problems.there is too much of work and im trying to stay up at nights so that i get used to the demanding lifestyles. im afraid il end up having an overdose of coffee or chocolates, which help me stay up. i want to be healthy and energetic the whole day so that i can give my work and studies the best i could
133569
I don't really think (despite what people say) that being a workaholic is a bad thing.  Mostly, just make sure, and this is very important- it will help you feel better- to get about 8 hours of sleep in every night, no matter what.  Also, so you don't get depression, allow some time for outdoor activities or time with friends.  For me, when I follow these things, no matter how hectic everything gets, I am good.  Also- I basically live off of chocolate and coke zero.  Just try to limit it, and if you get to the point where you shake because of cravings or too much caffeine, then skip a day without them.
394077
A healthy diet consists of a variety of food groups....let me be specific. Lets say you are a female (which I think you are) with a moderate activity level, for example: exercise 3 times a week for 45 min. or 5 times a week for 20 mins. This includes stretching 4 times a week and some sort of strength training (this could be as simple as carrying groceries for a few blocks or actually weight lifting) once or twicw weekly. It is recommended (Canada's food guide) that you eat 1900-2200 calories per day. ;Broken down even further, the food guide suggests:\n7 fruits/vegetables\n7 grains\n3 dairy products\n2 meat/alternatives\n6 fats (1 fat serving is every 5g of extra oil, butter, you get the picture)\nThis combination of food equals roughly 2000 cal. (try not to get caught up in the numbers, this will only make you crazy)\nAlso, try eating this combination of food in the form of 3 meals and 3 snacks. Every meal and snack should consist of a carbohydrate source (such as fruit/vegetables, grains) and a protein source (dairy or meat). This combination helps you to feel full and satisfied (as well as keeps your metabolism working) throughout the day. Try aiming for 2 food groups for snacks and at least three food groups for meals. Always try to eat breakfast within the first half hour of waking up then have a snack about 2 and a half hours later, then lunch 2 and a half hours later then.....you get it, this way until bed time snack. I don't advise withdrawing from food to begin with your body is always prepared to be treated well :-).\nHope this helps, it can be time consuming but in the end you will feel better then you ever have and your body thanks you for it.\nGood luck and happy birthday!
263054
Breathing is great.  Inhale four counts, hold seven counts, exhale eight counts.  Repeat up to eight times.\n\nDrink plenty of water during the day.  If you don't get enough water, your liver can't function properly and will keep you awake between 1 and 3 AM.  If you have acid reflux or chest congestion and don't realize it, you may unconsciously be keeping yourself awake.  Don't eat too much or too close to bedtime.\n\nAvoid foods with MSG or nitrites/nitrates or BHA/BHT.  These can trigger migraines and can cause insomnia.\n\nDo something to get tired during the day.  Exercise (even just walking 20 minutes a day) helps increase endorphins (which make you feel good) and help regulate sleep.\n\nTurn off the computer and dim the lights an hour or so before bed.  Your body needs it to be at least moderately dark to get sleepy.\n\nThere's something about taking a shower.  I think you're supposed to alternate hot and cold water, but I can't remember which one you are supposed to end with.  Something about that is supposed to make you sleepy.\n\nWarm milk or "Sleepy Time" tea by Celestial Seasonings might help you relax.  Make sure you are getting enough calcium and magnesium before bed time.  Taking them about an hour after your evening meal (if you take them sooner they could interfere with digestion) may help you sleep.\n\nAlso track your cycle and note when you have sleep disturbances.  If you are over-estrogenic and don't have enough progesterone that could cause sleeplessness.\n\nJournaling might help.  Go ahead and write down all those thoughts that won't let you rest.  If you have them written down, maybe your mind will let them go for a while.\n\nPrayer is also really good. Give your anxieties to Someone you can trust.\n\nIt's better to lie in bed and relax than to get up and do anything that stimulates your brain further.\n\nOh!  While you are lying in bed, start with your toes.  Tell them to relax.  Work your way up your body all the way to your scalp.  Tell yourself to relax and your body will relax.  Great way to fall asleep.
252998
Hi Neo,\n\nLike most of us, you may be addicted to sugar and / or caffeine.  Both of these are extremely addictive, and it isn't talked about enough.\n\nBoth of these addictions will mess with your ability to have energy all day.\n\nIt is understandable that coffee sometimes works, especially if you have a caffeine addiction.\n\nIf you REALLY want a smooth flow of energy all day, begin with ...\n\na healthy breakfast\na healthy lunch\na healthy supper\ntry not to eat much right before you go to bed\nlearn to identify which foods have sugar and begin avoiding them\nsame goes for caffeine\n\nJust conquering these 2 addictions will make such a change in your life that you will think your age is going in reverse.\n\nHope this helps.
574666
I really don't think its that bad. I had it ever since I remember and I never got hyper. Some school mates tell me that they use coffee to stay awake to complete long assignments such as projects and essays but it never has as little as an effect on me. I think that being exposed to at as young made me insensible to it. In a way I think that is good as hyper action is sometimes viewed as unhealthy but sometimes I wish it worked on me-usually when I have big assignments and somehow have to manage to stay up till 3AM!
34446
HEY! I know how this feels..\n\n1. Listen to music that is uplifting, no rock, something happy== although it's annoying, it really helps. Music effects your mood so much!\n\n2. Chocolate. Apples. Sunlight/orange juice.\nI've put those in the order of the effect they have.\n \nMilk chocolate sets enzymes free and soothes the nerves. the cocoa bean has natural ingredients that keeps your feelings up. Dark chocolate mimics the feeling of when you're in love.\n\nApples-- they speed up metabolizm gradually and break free chemicals that keeps you awake and alert, I find the more energy you have, the more jumping around you do, the more working out you do, the more enzymes get you hyped up\n\nSunlight.orange juice-- Vitamin D keeps you alert.\n\n3. Work out. Sit ups, staying active keeps you feeling good, and the healthier you are, the better you will feel.\n\n4. Friends- surround yourself in a good pair of friends who know how to laugh, if they can't laugh and be nice, they're not the type you want to be around.\n\n5. Lighting, Did you know a darker atmosphere creates a pressure around you?? ... that can literally weigh you down, try to stay in a warm lighting as much as possible.\n\n6. Find a hobby that helps you release emotions, swimming, drawing, something! Meditate in the morning and focus on focusing. Smile, even if you don't feel like it, crack jokes, have fun, you'll soon see the affect you have on yourself. it's all about mindset..\n\n7. Meanwhile, find a counselor or someone who will listen to you, and analyze if you need medicine, otherwise, try these
278948
You must have 3 meals a day and if you are snacking between meals make sure it is fruit. Healthy food the better for you as you wont put on too much weight. It could be your normal daily routine that you need to change. Ask yourself if there's any thing on your mind. We do rely on food as a comfort zone
325215
I have the same problem and it affected my household. I read a book that had something that helped me a lot. It told one that when you wake up, get out of bed immediately, make the bed, take a shower and dress fully. This alone helped my mood and motivated me to get on with my day. As far as many tasks. If possible, don't plan too many for one day and overwhelm yourself. Keep your to-do list limited to what you can handle. I know that this has helped me a lot. I hope it something that helps you. I hope you feel better. (i didn't leave the name of the book because it's for getting organized and de-cluttering and not sure if that affects you at all, if it does, it's called "Messies No More")
428997
You sound like a bit of a psycho but thats ok, I suggest sorting yourself out first. Set the alarm clock for 4am get up showered and go for a walk around the local green area park etc savouring the peace and tranquility, say hello or nod to everybody you pass, go to a coffeeshop and have a lite breakfast whilst reading a newspaper, do this for one week, after one week you will be sleeping better, have a greater appreciation of your vicinity and your senses will have heightened.
474128
Here are some pro-active things you can do. Hope this helps!\n\n"GET OUT OF BED: \n\nOne of the most important things you can do is get up at about the same time every morning (even week-ends). Preferably, that means about 7 a.m. or earlier. You might not feel like it but Get Up. Such regularity helps your body function more normally so you're more likely to feel normal. \n\nLIGHTS: \n\nLight helps your body function better. So turn on a lot of lights as soon as you arise. Open curtains to get more sunlight. Better yet, go outdoors into the sunshine as soon as you can. Remove any eyewear so light will enter more readily (glass cuts out some of the sun's rays). But don't stare at the sun, of course. \n\nMOVE: \n\nBe active right away -- oxygenate! That means getting up and walking around your dwelling for five or 10 minutes, or perhaps riding an exercycle. Mild exercise gets the blood flowing and transports more oxygen throughout your body (especially to your brain), helping you feel mentally alert and alive. \n\nMUSIC: \n\nSelect and play some energetic, happy music as you dress and have your breakfast. The audiovisual department of most libraries has albums and tapes you can check out. \n  \n\nBREAKFAST: \n\nBegin your breakfast with protein (i.e., meat, eggs, peanut butter, nuts, cheese). When you get up, your body chemistry is ready to convert food, especially protein,into longlasting energy. To balance your most important meal of the day, add an orange or other fresh fruit and whole grain cereal or whole grain bread. \n\nTALK WITH SOMEONE: \n\nOne of the quickest ways to beat the blues is to interact with others. You might not feel like doing that - you'd rather avoid people when blue. So make lt easier on yourself. Talk with someone you enjoy about a subject you enjoy so there is definite give and take. \n\nAnd, force yourself to say "hello" to the persons next to you in class, those where you live, anyone around. \n\nLIMIT CAFFEINE: \n\nThe long-term (four hours or so) effects of caffeine are depression. Try to limit coffee to no more than one cup in the morning. Coffee can make you more alert for an hour or so, but later you get an opposite reaction. Caffeine tends to increase the release of insulin in the blood, and insulin lowers the blood sugar level. When you have low blood sugar levels, you begin to feel less sure of yourself, and have low energy levels, which can lead to the blues or depression. \n\nLIMIT SUGAR: \n\nSugar might give you an initial rush of energy, but within an hour or so the blood sugar level can become low, and when it's low you may feel low, too. \n\nThe caffeine/sugar cycle. It's easy to get caught in the caffeine and sugar cycle -- having coffee, caffeinated soft drinks, or something with sugar every two hours or so to "stay up." For example, cola contains about 10 teaspoons of sugar plus caffeine equal to about half a cup of coffee. In addition to bringing on the blues, this cycle can result in dependence, poor nutrition. and obesity -- reasons to get down on yourself even more and feel blue. \n\nMAINTAIN FIBER: \n\nFiber helps food go through your digestive system at a proper rate, giving a more constant energy supply. Highly processed foods merely provide a quick surge of energy which can be followed by depression. You can maintain fiber in your diet by eating an orange or grapefruit rather than just drinking the juice. Eat fresh vegetables, fresh fruits, and whole grain breads and cereals. \n\nSTRESS B COMPLEX: \n\nSome persons report receiving help by taking a concentrated vitamin B complex. You'll find these called something like "Stress B" or "B 50." This is controversial. \nSome nutritionists say, "Yes, this really should be considered," and others say, "No, this is not a good Idea." You can try some and decide whether or not it helps you. If it does help, then perhaps you should consult a nutr
647554
Get plenty of sleep. Drink lots of water. Eat nutritious foods low in caffeine and sugar. Fruits are good. Get a little exercise. Light exercise is good. Try to put yourself on a regular schedule where you sleep, eat, and exercise at the same time everyday. Don't worry about things that you don't have any control over. Just try to do the simple things that you can control. Go to church. Some people may not believe it but I don't care. The things that you can learn in church are good for your spirit. I wish you the best.
150675
People tell me tomato juice and celery. I drink coffee with coffee syrup in it and half and half. I think that it may be the combination of caffeine, dairy, and sugar that does it for me. I do not eat breakfast most days. I even know how to get motivated on graveyard shift (currently working nights). I turn up the music while I am in the shower and take really long and hot showers. Most people will say that I am usually a happy person:)
255924
My fiance and I have found that eating healthy foods before class helps us stay alert. When we eat fast food like McDonald's, we feel sleepy. There are Omega vitamins that are helpful for memory retention as well. If you need a pick me up try Ginseng vitamins. They keep you alert and energized. I would take them at the beginning of the day because they can last quite a while.
362358
Don't know where you are, but I certainly hope you are not trying to do your home work in my time zone right now (I'm in Texas).  Because if you are, I can tell you why you are feeling tired.  IT'S 5:00 AM!!!\n\nSeriously, try not snacking before or during studying. Or if you do, eat healthy snacks such as raw vegetables, nothing sugary or starchy.  Go to bed every night at the same time and get up every morning at the same time.  This will train your body and your mind when you should be awake and functioning and when you should be asleep and resting.\n\nThere is so much more.  I don't think I could list them all here.  Besides I'm at work and I have a job to do.
338847
Hello, I woke up too early too and can't go back to sleep. I'm not blue though, have you thought about what you're gonna do for the rest of the day? Perhaps a bit later at lunchtime you could stick on a bit of chilled music and cook a nice roast slowly whilst having a couple of glasses of wine. I find that really peaceful although not high speed and exciting, it is nice sometimes just to mill around the house doing gentle domestic things. Hope you get over your blues soon.
522129
There's no right answer to this question, it's going to vary person to person.\n\nIn the short run, you can drink caffeine if you need a little more alertness here and there - but this isn't a long-term solution.\n\nYou can take breaks from boring tasks when you're at home - do a few pushups, walk around the block, anything to get your heartrate up a little bit. This will keep you from nodding off, but isn't a cure. Also, it won't help so much at school when you have to be in a seat 45-90 minutes at a stretch and it's also not a permanent solution.\n\nEating a better diet, avoiding sugars in the morning and heavy meals at lunch will help you maintain a constant level of energy throughout the day. Getting regular exercise will also help your metabolism and energy level. It takes a few weeks to notice any improvement on this, but it's a much better answer than slamming coffee and donuts.\n\nGet a normal routine - wake up at the same time, go to bed at the same time, don't drink caffeine after 1 or 2 pm. Don't read in bed (keep the bed just for sleeping, so you don't lay awake when it's time to sleep).\n\nIf you do all of the above and you still find yourself fatigued, then your body is trying to tell you something important. You're doing too much! Nobody does or should expect you to be at the top of your game 20 hours a day. Find a way to shuffle your schedule to a more manageable level. You should be able to have some time to yourself each day, where you have no deadlines. \n\nIf your don't have a minutes peace and your going full-tilt every day until you collaps, something's going to give - you. Figure out what's most important to you, and focus on that. Learn to let the little stuff slide so you don't get overwhelmed.\n\nHope that helps,\n\nOdd
379850
Stay active. Do something that requires your full attention such as cleaning, exersizing, dancing, talking. Keep the lights on and the music on a upbeat sing-a-longable (I know thats not a real word!) channel! Drinking caffiene will also keep you awake but it isnt good for your body.