The Afternoon Slump

Ever feel like you hit a wall of exhaustion every afternoon? Well, you’re not alone. For the past couple of years, right around 2 PM, I’ve been smacked with a wave of fatigue so strong it’s like my body’s demanding a hard reset. I’m 58, working from home, and yes, I’ve wondered if this is just what getting older feels like.

But here’s the thing – I refuse to accept that. So, I’ve become a bit of a self-care detective, piecing together clues from my Oura ring, diet, and lifestyle to crack the case of the midday crash.

First off, I’m a champion sleeper – my Oura ring swears by it. But despite clocking in 7 to 8 hours nightly, I’m still dog-tired by lunchtime. I’ve got this ritual of two cups of coffee before 10 AM (never after), and I follow an anti-inflammatory diet, steering clear of manufactured oils and practicing intermittent fasting.

Post-vaccine, I felt a shift – the second shot threw me for a loop with fatigue that’s been hard to shake. But I keep moving, mountain biking daily without pushing too hard, because let’s face it, exercise is the elixir of life, right?

Now, my Oura tells me I’m walking the equivalent of over 21 miles a week, my resting heart rate’s a cool 43 bpm – thank you, biking – and my blood oxygen level is chilling at 97%. On paper, I’m the picture of health. But my energy levels tell a different story.

I’ve tinkered with my diet, played around with meal timings, and loaded up on electrolytes. I’ve basked in the morning sun like a cat seeking a warm spot, all to regulate those mysterious circadian rhythms. And stress? I’ve tried to show it the door with every trick in the book. Yet, here I am, trying to outwit this unwelcome afternoon guest.

So, what’s next for me? I’ve got a few aces up my sleeve – short, invigorating walks post-lunch, power naps that are more like power blinks, and staying hydrated like it’s my job. And I’m keeping a journal, logging my quests and missteps, because if there’s one thing I love more than biking, it’s a good mystery.

If you’ve ever felt like me, worn out when the day’s only half done, stay tuned. Together, we’ll figure out how to keep our engines running all day long. Because there’s a trail out there with my name on it, and I’ll bet there’s one with yours too.

Catch you on the flip side.