pontik's Journal, 18 August 2014

I understand. Stress can be a HUGE factor in weight loss or gain. I haven't been sleeping well and lack of money for things like the electric bill. LOL! I know you've worked very hard to get to the point of going for your PhD. I have a Bachelor's from 1983. At 56 I still have people encouraging me to get my Masters. Hard work mentally. Focus on the positives in your life for a bit. Carry a pad of paper and pen/pencil with you wherever you go. Even jot down your thoughts in the notepad on your phone. If possible, take a day or an hour, even 15 minutes to go into the woods or walk along a nice street and look at the flowers, the sky, a sculpture. Let your mind wander a bit and try to relax. I had a job interview on Friday for a good paying job. On the way home I stopped and took pictures of a stream beside the road. Then I turned onto a side road. I took a picture of someone's barn. The owner and I talked and he gave me directions on a beautiful drive. It was what I had been wanting to do for a long time: take time to relax and enjoy the countryside. It helped me, even if for a bit, to relax. I'm praying that you can find inspiration for putting your thoughts down concisely and accurately. Maybe even go work out your frustrations on a punching bag... 

Thanks a million for your encouraging words, maclark! Hope your interview went well and you will get the job you desire! Going to punch it tonight, it's gym time and I hope to get negative frustrating thoughts out of my mind if even for a hour or so. Tanks a lot once more! G-d bless!  

I totally understand you! I also bought things I usually doesn't eat due to phd stress. We will get through it, if will be fine!  

stay strong! The end is near. There are always ups and downs and we need to accept this. I am sending a lot of good thoughts your way and am thinking about you. You can do this! Maybe just take a day or two off - go outside on long walks or something. Sometimes a break seems to help structure our thoughts anew. I hope today is a better day than yesterday.  

Dear buddies, thank you ever so much for your encouragement and support! I gained a lot. Quite unhappy, but your positive words lights me with positive feelings. Took pictures of myself to remind me how I looked while stress eating. Hope to look back at them in a month or so, all toned and slimmed down. Just need to get over, just need to submit it. Just do it!  

Careful with all the fruit, a lot of fructose and sugar in there. They tend to spike insulin. Berries are a better option, if fruit is a must. What you're doing is nothing short of amazing, a couple bad days won't kill you, stay positive.  

brianlacey thanks for your support! it's a fruit season down here and fruits are really tempting. No berries in season though. I has a couple of bad months really :( well, only good times ahead. Once I submit, I will go for a long-long vacation :) That's keep me going happy slimming everyone!