A hungry man is an angry man
As students we tend to adopt certain habits and then it becomes our way of life. One of those habits I adopted was skipping meals or eating late.
Was I trying to save money? Or on a quest to punish myself ? I really don’t know.
On the other hand we have people who are ambassadors of “You only live once”, so they make every meal time one to remember.
This article explains the science of “Hangry": What happens when hunger and anger collides.
Have you ever witnessed a calm friend transform into a raging monster? Or maybe you have experienced it, where your hunger-induced anger makes you question your sanity.
It all starts with skipping breakfast maybe lunch too. Going about your daily routine such as lectures on an empty stomach, unaware of the danger lurking within your belly.
As time passes, your body runs low on fuel (glucose), then a strange transformation begins. Rage, irritability sets in and replaces your friendly demeanor, getting you ready to explode at the slightest inconvenience.
What really happens?
When you haven’t eaten for a while, your blood sugar levels start to drop and your brain sends instructions to several organs to synthesize and release hormones that increase the amount of glucose in the blood stream.
The pituitary gland, located in the brain, produces growth hormone. While the pancreas produces glucagon. Lastly, the adrenal glands produce adrenaline and cortisol which are stress hormones released in stressful conditions. Adrenaline produces fight-or-flight responses preparing you for the hunt for sustenance.
However, while your body is prepping for survival, your brain is paying the price. The lack of glucose, which is the primary source of energy for your brain, leads to impaired cognitive function and decreased self-control. Simply put, your brain is starving just as much as your stomach, making you respond irrationally and turning the smallest inconveniences into full-blown catastrophes. So not only would you be unable to assimilate during classes, you may also lash out on your friend for not being able to.
During this transformation, you might find yourself grumbling at innocent bystanders, lashing out on inanimate objects or even snapping at your loved ones.
Hangry survival tactics
Here are few strategies to employ to keep your hunger-induced anger at bay.
Firstly, prevention is key! Always carry a portable snack (preferably non perishable) like nuts or chips that you could easily munch on right before that class or during, if you are permitted to.
Stay hydrated: Sometimes we confuse thirst with hunger. Dehydration can cause irritability, so keeping yourself hydrated throughout the day can solve the problem.
Practice mindful eating: When you finally get the chance to eat, savor the moment! Don’t rush the food. Pay attention to the flavours, textures and aroma of the food. By doing this, you are enhancing your eating experience and also giving your brain time to register that you are getting the nourishment it craves.
Lastly, it’s crucial to recognize the signs of an hangry episode. If at any point you find yourself becoming easily irritated or taking offense at innocent remarks it’s time to pause and refuel.
Always remember that your body and brain need fuel to function properly. Stay fed👍🏾.
