Are you feeling an energy crisis? Try this

Why is it that some days you wake up with no energy to get through the day? I have had a lot of those days over the past year. I put on a smile and make it through the day but everything is an effort. Stress brought on by the pandemic is part of it but hormonal changes and the idea of an empty nest next year have also played a part. That is why the article in the May 2021 Shape Magazine about the book I’m So Effing Tired by Amy Shah M.D. jumped out at me. It gives little tweaks you can make to your life to increase your energy and focus.

Yes, it comes down to diet somewhat as everything does where eating less sugar/caffeine and eating more fibrous vegetables makes a difference. I know this in my head but it isn’t always easy for me to do. Something that sounds a little easier for me to accomplish is to follow circadian fasting. This is how people ate before electricity, go 12 hours without food for example 8pm to 8am. Why it works is what makes me want to try it out. The 12 hours gives your body time to rest and repair itself. Melatonin, the hormone released before bed, tells the brain to get sleepy and shuts down digestive enzymes and insulin. If we eat right before bed, then the body has to work to digest that food not allowing it to rest and repair.

I confess that i really look forward to my chocolate before going to bed but if eliminating food after 8pm gives me more energy, focus and better sleep then I am going to give it a try. I would be interested to hear if anyone else tries it and how it works for them.