How I Got My Focus and Energy Back Without Changing My Routine

For a long time, I thought my low energy and afternoon brain fog were just part of adult life. Wake up, drink coffee, drag myself through work, crash at 3 p.m., and repeat. Sound familiar?

I tried all the usual advice: go to bed earlier, drink more water, avoid screens before sleep. Sure, some of it helped a little, but not enough to make me feel genuinely better. I figured this was just the way things were going to be. My job required focus, and I couldn’t afford to feel like I was running on fumes every day. But nothing seemed to stick.

Then, almost by accident, I stumbled across a suggestion in a forum: someone had added something to their morning coffee that helped them stay full longer and crash less. At first I rolled my eyes. I’d seen so many gimmicks, magic pills, and overpriced powders that I barely paid attention.

But for some reason, I kept thinking about it. Maybe because it wasn’t some big overhaul. I didn’t need to quit caffeine or count calories or buy a dozen new supplements. It was literally just one thing to add to what I was already doing. That simplicity stuck with me, and eventually I gave in to curiosity.

So I tried it. One scoop in my coffee each morning. No other changes.

At first, I didn’t notice much. But by the fourth or fifth day, I realized I wasn’t reaching for snacks mid-morning. I wasn’t spacing out on Zoom calls. The 3 p.m. slump? It was still there a bit, but nowhere near as brutal.

After two weeks, I was waking up more refreshed. I was thinking more clearly. And weirdly enough, I was in a better mood.

This tiny change had somehow shifted my whole day. It didn’t feel like a diet. It didn’t feel like work. It just felt... easier. I even started looking forward to mornings again, which, for someone who used to snooze their alarm three times, is saying something.

I’m not saying this will work for everyone. But I wanted to share it because maybe someone else out there is stuck in the same pattern I was pushing through, thinking this is just what adulthood feels like. Running on coffee and willpower alone is exhausting.

Sometimes, a small shift can unlock something bigger. And in a world full of overcomplicated solutions, the simple ones are often the most effective. This wasn’t a transformation overnight, but it started something real for me. It reminded me that change doesn’t always need to be drastic to be meaningful.

If you've been dealing with the same constant slump, or just want to feel like you're not dragging through the day, maybe give something small a try. You never know what might work.

Since then, I’ve been telling a few friends and coworkers about it. Some were skeptical, just like I was. But the ones who tried it? They noticed the same thing, more energy, fewer cravings, and better focus without needing to double their coffee intake. It’s a small shift that’s surprisingly effective.

I still drink the same morning coffee. Still have the same job. Still live the same life. But now, I feel like I’m in control of my energy instead of letting it control me. And honestly, that’s a big win.

We’re all different, and what works for me might not be right for you. But if nothing else, I hope this story reminds you that small changes can lead to big improvements, often when you least expect it.

If you’re curious what I used, I’ve added it to my Vocal profile bio.

Thanks for reading,

Jaxon