The Chinese have been studying this question for melennia—-have developed sophisticated systems to promote energy and health including gigong and tai chi. Look into books by Lam Kam Chuen and Bruce Frantzis.
Ask HN: Tips for more energy during day?
61–70 of 96 posts
Re: Ask HN: Tips for more energy during day?
#62Food quantity and timing, saunas, and caffeine regulation.
1. I find the quantity and timing of food is a big deal. Meals that are too large (especially carb-wise) can really mess with my energy levels, especially if its breakfast. This can be tricky to balance though, as hungry energy can exacerbate rabbit-holing issues and possibly protein intake targets.
2. I sauna routinely for 16-20 min and it always has a big impact on my energy levels.
3. I make my own coffee and always measure out precise gram amounts I try to avoid deviating from. Helps me avoid "oh I just need another half cup cause the last one was maybe weak -> caffeine agitation -> crash" cycle (I'm fairly sensitive to caffeine, personally).
Re: Ask HN: Tips for more energy during day?
#63Relevant youtube on the subject from What I've Learned
Re: Ask HN: Tips for more energy during day?
#64At lunch, avoid bread, pasta, rice, potato. Basically anything starch rich while having little to no fibers. Said differently stick to food with low GI [1]. Best is to prepare your lunch yourself. Since you'll have to take it at the office, it won't be too copious. And you won't have to eat at the restaurant where food usually contains too much saturated fat and salt. All these combined is the best way to avoid the afternoon drop of energy.
I also drink no water during meals. I only drink in between. I cannot tell exactly what it does. I just read it was good and got used to it.
Re: Ask HN: Tips for more energy during day?
#65"Look to your health" is always a good practice. In addition to the diet/exercise/sleep answers here:
Consider the possibility that you are suffering from Sick Building Syndrome.
Check for hidden mold. Try to improve the cleanliness of your home/work space. "Less is more."
I think Sick Building Syndrome is much more common than is recognized. We need to get better at recognizing that we are a product of our environment and that means the spaces we spend most of our time are impacting our health, for better or for worse.
Re: Ask HN: Tips for more energy during day?
#66See a doctor. Don’t try to science this yourself.
Agreed. You will have biases for which a doctor may control.
Re: Ask HN: Tips for more energy during day?
#67Do you snore? Many people have sleep apnea without knowing. They can sleep the full night, not actually getting rest. I got a sleep study and the answer was clear.
Re: Ask HN: Tips for more energy during day?
#68Do you snore? Many people have sleep apnea without knowing. They can sleep the full night, not actually getting rest. I got a sleep study and the answer was clear.
only slightly and occasionally
Re: Ask HN: Tips for more energy during day?
#69Do you snore? Many people have sleep apnea without knowing. They can sleep the full night, not actually getting rest. I got a sleep study and the answer was clear.
It can be an indicator, but you don’t have to snore to have it. I think if you fit any of these:
- male
- overweight
- tired in the daytime
you should go for a sleep study! I got diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea. It almost ruined my life, causing me to drop out of my engineering course. I would fall asleep in lectures and do no work, with no energy to push myself. I was diagnosed a couple of years ago, had sinus surgery to remove obstructions, am losing weight and I’m using a cpap machine. I’m feeling better and now I’m 1 year away from getting my degree. Go and get the study done!!!
Re: Ask HN: Tips for more energy during day?
#70Don't eat carbs, don't drink too much coffee, do take cold showers.
Agree. There is no essential carbs. The only reason to eat vegetables is for the vitamins and minerals. But there are essential fats and amino acids.
This is one of those things where the average dietitian disagrees, but anecdotes prove otherwise.