People who get temperamental when they’re hungry usually display these 7 behaviors, according to psychology

We’ve all been there – that moment when hunger strikes and suddenly, we’re not our usual, cheerful selves. We may snap at a loved one, get frustrated over trivial things, or simply feel irritable.

This shift in temperament is often humorously referred to as being “hangry.”

Well, it turns out there’s a scientific explanation for these mood swings related to hunger.

Knowing these signs could just save you from a potential hunger-induced meltdown.

Whether you’re trying to understand your own ‘hangry’ episodes or hoping to navigate the stormy moods of a peckish child, read on.

After all, it’s always good to know what we’re up against, especially when it comes to negotiating with our stomachs.

1) Irritability often kicks in

Arguably the most recognizable sign of hunger-induced temperament is irritability.

Suddenly, the smallest things seem to set you off. A misplaced toy, a slow internet connection, or a minor disagreement can all trigger an overblown reaction when you’re hungry.

This behavioral change isn’t just an anecdotal observation – it’s grounded in science.

As renowned psychologist Abraham Maslow once said, “It is quite true that man lives by bread alone — when there is no bread.”

This quote highlights our basic physiological need for food. When this need isn’t met, our mood can take a nosedive.

Next time you find yourself getting unusually irritable, it might not be due to stress or fatigue.

Your body could simply be telling you it’s time to eat. Remembering this could make navigating those “hangry” moments a little easier.

2) Lack of focus can be a sign

I recall one particular afternoon when I was working on a deadline. My stomach was growling, but I was too engrossed in my project to break for lunch.

Soon, I found myself re-reading the same sentence over and over, unable to comprehend its meaning.

My concentration was faltering, and it took me a moment to realize that my hunger was the culprit.

Psychology points out that our cognitive functions can take a hit when we’re hungry. The brain needs glucose to function optimally, and when we skip meals, our glucose levels drop.

This can lead to difficulty concentrating or even feeling slightly disoriented.

If you or your little one seems to be struggling with focus and you’ve ruled out other distractions, it might be time to grab a snack.

3) Emotional sensitivity is heightened

Have you ever noticed that when you’re hungry, your emotions seem to be on a rollercoaster ride? One minute, you’re fine, and the next, you’re on the verge of tears over the sappiest commercial.

This isn’t just a coincidence – it’s one of the signs of hunger-induced temperament.

Hunger can make us more emotionally sensitive. This can manifest in various ways – from tearfulness to feeling overwhelmed or even experiencing a sense of doom.

It’s like our emotional buffer is suddenly gone, and we’re left raw and vulnerable.

Carl Jung, one of the most influential psychologists, once said, “Emotion is the chief source of all becoming-conscious.”

In other words, our emotions are deeply tied to our awareness and self-perception.

When we’re hungry and our feelings are all over the place, it can be disorienting and confusing – making us even more temperamental.

Keep in mind, if things seem to be getting too much emotionally, it might just be your body’s way of signaling that it’s time to eat.

4) Decision-making becomes difficult

When hunger strikes, making decisions, big or small, can become an uphill battle.

You might find yourself endlessly debating over what to wear, what to work on next, or even what to eat – the irony!

People tend to make more impulsive decisions when they’re hungry.

This is because hunger activates the brain regions associated with reward-seeking behaviors and impairs our ability to make long-term, beneficial choices.

If you’re noticing a spike in indecisiveness or impulsiveness, it could be a sign that you need to refuel.

After all, it’s always easier to think clearly and make well-informed decisions on a full stomach.

5) Fatigue sets in

Ever noticed how you tend to feel more tired when you’re hungry? I certainly have.

There have been countless times when I’ve felt a wave of fatigue wash over me, only to realize that I hadn’t eaten in hours.

When our bodies lack the fuel they need to function correctly, one of the first signs is often a feeling of tiredness or lethargy.

This is because our bodies use food as a source of energy, and without it, our energy levels can plummet.

As William James, often referred to as the father of American psychology, once said, “The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another.”

And it’s hard to make that choice when you’re running on empty.

If you’re feeling unusually fatigued and you can’t figure out why, check in with your stomach – it might be time to take a break and eat something.

6) Overreaction becomes the norm

Isn’t it surprising that hunger can turn the most minor issues into full-blown crises in our minds? Suddenly, a small inconvenience feels like the end of the world.

This overreaction is not a personal flaw. It’s a psychological response to hunger.

When our bodies are deprived of food, our brain perceives it as a threat to survival and amps up our stress response.

This heightened sensitivity can make us react more intensely to situations.

Famed psychologist Albert Ellis once said, “The best years of your life are the ones in which you decide your problems are your own.” But when we’re hungry, it seems like every problem is magnified tenfold.

If you find yourself or your little one overreacting to situations, it might be worth checking when you last ate. A quick snack could be all it takes to restore a sense of calm and perspective.

7) Physical discomfort takes over

Last but not least, let’s not forget the physical signs of hunger.

The growling stomach, light-headedness, and even headaches can all be signals that it’s time to eat.

As renowned psychologist B.F. Skinner once said, “The consequences of an act affect the probability of its occurring again.”

In other words, if we ignore our body’s hunger signals, we’ll likely experience these uncomfortable physical symptoms, which can make us more temperamental.

So, don’t ignore your body. Listen to its cues, and you’ll likely notice a more stable temperament.

Reflecting on the impact of hunger

The interplay between our physiological needs and our emotional responses is a fascinating aspect of human behavior.

As we’ve discovered, something as basic as hunger can significantly alter our temperament, leading to irritable, impatient, or overly emotional reactions.

Understanding these hunger-induced behaviors not only provides an insight into our own mood swings but also helps us empathize with others, be it a cranky child or a short-tempered colleague.

It’s a reminder that sometimes, the solution to temperamental issues could be as simple as a nutritious meal or snack.

Next time you find yourself or someone else exhibiting these signs of hunger-induced temperament, take a moment to reflect.

Recognize the power of our basic needs and how addressing them can restore balance and harmony in our interactions.

After all, a little understanding and sustenance can go a long way in fostering positive relationships and maintaining mental well-being.