It’s 14:00.

You’re just getting from your lunch…back to work. 

For some reason, it’s a struggle. You’re a bit unfocused. Unconcentrated.

Most people, at this point, will search for something sweet to eat or for another cup of coffee (which remember, usually comes with sugar!).

Is it tiredness or lack of concentration?

Tiredness & Concentration

Most college students struggle with tiredness. Why is it?

Their brains suck all that energy from the body.

Your brain consumes about 25% of all energy in the body every second! This tiny 3-pound machine grabs about 10 times more energy than the rest of the body comparing to its size.

And, our brains are extremely sensitive to the levels of energy we have. Which is why tiredness and lack of focus go hand in hand.

Focus!

We optimize learning, creativity, and focus only when our brains have an abundance of energy. This is when the energy in the body is high.

On the other hand, when we’re tired and low in physical energy, it’s more difficult to focus.

So we try to grab a bite of something. But, does it help?

Sugar and Lack of Focus

While our body seeks sugar for energy, it’s not the best solution.
Unless you intend to sprint, sugar isn’t good for energy or focus. 

Sugar will take over your energy system and convert you from a focused person to a hyperactive sprinter. Sugar prevents you from staying focused on one thing.  Which is exactly what you need to be “in the zone”.

After eating something sweet, you’ll find your energy going down within 15 minutes…. and you’ll need something sweet. Again.

That hurts staying focused. Being in the zone.

Relaxed Mind

Many participants said they feel their minds are more relaxed and clear. Is the connection between lack of sugar and a relaxed mind difficult to see?

Long Term Energy

Besides lack of focus, sugar causes damage to the energy system inside your body. This damage will make you more tired in the long term.

If you noticed, old people have less energy and vitality. They think, move slowly. Sugar is one the causes for that.

It does so by damaging the entire energy system.

Sugar and Sleep

A participant reported: “After a few years it has not happened to me, I can sleep for a few hours straight. And, I’m sure it’s because of the repair during the challenge,” he said.A lot of repair during the challenge happens during sleep. Sugar prevents the repair and reduces deep refreshing sleep.
Which, makes you tired the next day.

Every person may experience sleep improvement differently.

What to do? Two practical suggestions

Awareness & Quick Recharge

Observe your body. Be aware that what your mind is seeking isn’t the solution. It’s like a kid asking its parents for candy, even though it bad for the kid.

Notice how when you become tired or unfocused, your mind goes to sweets as the “default” solution.
That’s normal! 

And instead of fulfilling the urge, do something unusual: take a five-minute nap.

A nap doesn’t have to be sleep or a laydown. Just close your eyes in sitting is good enough. 

While sugar doesn’t make you energetic and focused, taking a small “recharge” nap will.

You give your body time to recharge like when you plug your phone for a quick charge. 

You’d be surprised how fast your body can recharge when you stop all stimulation and relax. And you solve the tiredness problem and avoid sugar damage, too.

Become a Student of Vitality

This is a different suggestion.

In health and wellness, there are two areas that truly changed my life.  Youth and vitality.

After years of struggling with tiredness and focus, it’s only when I researched and experimented with vitality that made me feel different.

What is “vitality”?

Vitality is about increasing the physical energy in your body. So that energy goes to the brain, in a way that affects your mood, focus, stress, and motivation.

Did you notice that when you’re tired you’re more depressed? 

Vitality makes you more positive and happy.

And Did you notice that when your tired, problems are stressing your more than usual?

Stress steals your energy too, and increasing energy makes you more resistant to stress.

How to Increase Vitality

If you want to improve your vitality, this challenge definitely will help some. 

But vitality an area I suggest you commit for a long-term education. 

Become a student of vitality.

]It will help you to:
• Achieve deep focus in your work or study
• Wake up with positive mood
• Increase your defense against stress

How to get an education? 

One option is my free podcast called Health and Vitality Made Simple. Feel free to subscribe and get notifications when I release new episodes, so you won’t forget and get distracted.

Other Links about Vitality -Not Mandatory for the Challenge:

Becoming a long-term student by subscribing to Health and Vitality Made Simple when you join the FREE email program:

Deep Focus Guide: 5 Habits to Improve Focus and Concentration

A podcast episode about improving focus and concentration