Energy slump

[OpalOnyx]

Ever have days where there is an energy slump which can be tough to shake off? Ideas on how to deal with it/boost energy?

I'm sure there is a food intake/sleep correlation (eating the right foods and getting the optimum amount of sleep (not too much or little)).

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[cbrons]

Exercise is important too... I've also recently found that reading while walking at a slight speed and incline on the treadmill is incredibly effective at keep me awake and focused...

 

[TooMuchResearch]

Run or nap. If possible, do both.

 

[myhandsarecold]

Paroxetine 20 mg 1 tab PO qd until day of graduation, then taper for 2 wks to d/c

 

[OveractiveBrain]

Ever have days where there is an energy slump which can be tough to shake off? Ideas on how to deal with it/boost energy?

I'm sure there is a food intake/sleep correlation (eating the right foods and getting the optimum amount of sleep (not too much or little)).

I definitely advocate "crap days." Especially if you have trouble getting going and you know its going to be a useless day, I just say screw it. Sleep. I've definitely been there, and unless there is something mandatory for me to do, I will veg on the couch, play some Call of Duty, watch multiple movies, all the while saying to myself "i probably should be more productive."

Here's the thing: without relaxation and do-nothing days your body and your mind will burn out.

Of course, if you are having multiple days in a row like this, then its time to look at your lifestyle. Exercise more, sleep more, eat better. Avoid Nicotine and Caffeine to power you through. Addiction and empty calories are a bitch. Although i suppose if you drink coke for the boost and smoke cigarretes to avoid eating anything else, you net only addiction...

 

[PinkIvy08]

Get those endorphins pumping! Alternatively, get some more sleep - no point in forcing yourself to be up attempting to study, when your body just needs some R&R...that just leads to inefficient studying.

 

[sanityonleave]

Ever have days where there is an energy slump which can be tough to shake off? Ideas on how to deal with it/boost energy?

I'm sure there is a food intake/sleep correlation (eating the right foods and getting the optimum amount of sleep (not too much or little)).

YMMV, but the #1 factor impacting my energy level is my midday dietary intake. I have trended toward smaller and lower fat lunchtime meals, because I find I get very sleepy with a high-fat meal during the day. I try and eat a big breakfast (fruit, toast, and yogurt/granola) every day, then a small lunch (salad or a very light sandwich), then a larger meal late in the day after I'm finished with most of my work.

I also drink a pot (~6-7 cups) of coffee QAM and 3-4 diet cokes in the afternoon, so that may have something to do with it.

When I'm studying and have a need for a quick pick-me-up, I usually go for sugar-free energy drinks or coffee. If things are really severe (studying for a final) and I need some serious energy, I'll drop two pseudoephedrine tabs with a can of cola, but if you're not careful it can really make you feel strung out and not help your energy level.

As an alternative, do what some 10% of my class has already done in M1: get diagnosed with ADD by a shady FP and get some ritalin for those tough study days. It's amazing how many people made it through a challenging ugrad curriculum with straight As and suddenly have ADD probs in med school when they're not in the top 10% .