News
Do you have an energy crash in the afternoon?
By Angela Kerrisk from Activate Fitness
You know that feeling when you’re sitting at your desk and suddenly fatigue washes over you like a tidal wave - you are crashing fast and ready for an afternoon nap. We have all experienced it! It's most likely a result of a number of things, not just that you’re in need of another cup of coffee.
.
.
There is a natural rhythm or set clock in our bodies, and many people tend to feel a little sleepy in the afternoon. But don't blame it all on your body's internal clock, your body makes you sleepy, but it is your own lifestyle habits that may be causing this energy crash. If you’re not exactly sure of what’s causing this energy slump, pay attention to what time of day it typically occurs.
One reason for that afternoon crash is that you are experiencing a dip in blood sugar, generally a result of your cortisol rising too high in the morning due to external factors such as coffee, a carbohydrate-rich breakfast or a carb-heavy lunch, not getting enough sleep the previous night, or being dehydrated. A combination of these puts you… yup, right around that mid-afternoon crash time.
How can you avoid this?
If you're feeling sluggish in the early afternoon, ask yourself these questions:
Did I eat breakfast?
What did I eat for breakfast? (A cup of coffee doesn't count)
What did I eat for lunch?
Eating smaller balanced, more frequent meals and snacks throughout the day, say every three to four hours, may help minimise the spikes and dips in your blood sugar. Balance these with a mix of the different, important macronutrients; carbs, protein and fat, and note it’s important to include them all throughout the day. This balanced combination will help your blood sugar and energy levels stay steadier after you’ve finished eating. And it should go without saying but eating enough throughout the day will help boost your energy and ability to focus too, so don’t skip meals!
Prioritise sleep. Consistently not sleeping enough can lead to significant sleep deprivation. If you get better sleep at night, you’ll be less tired during the day and less likely to experience an afternoon slump.
Drink plenty of water. If dehydration is a contributing factor to your afternoon fatigue, make it a habit to keep a reusable bottle of water handy and sip from it regularly. If you’re not exercising regularly, you're more likely to experience lower energy levels throughout the day.
Get out at lunchtime for some fresh air and boost your vitamin D. Even if it’s just a walk around the office, movement can help you feel less sleepy.
It’s natural for your energy levels to rise and fall throughout the day. A severe dip though, can throw off your entire day. Pay close attention to what time the slump hits and then consider how your lifestyle may be contributing to it. Typically, a change of diet or a better sleep routine can make all the difference.
If you find that daily fatigue is severely impacting your ability to concentrate, talk to your doctor to rule out any potential underlying causes.
If you would like help to create a more balanced lifestyle and help with nutrition, visit www.activate.ie today and schedule a complimentary nutrition consultation.
Retailers and shop staff across Killarney joined forces this week as part of the nationwide ‘#CutPRSIKeepJobs’ campaign, calling on the Government to reduce employers’ PRSI contributions in Budget 2027 to protect local employment.
Organised by Retail Excellence Ireland (REI), the campaign saw shop owners and employees stand together to highlight the severe financial pressures facing town centre businesses.
The industry body is urging the Government to introduce an employer PRSI band of 8% on the first €36,000 of every wage, zero employer PRSI for workers under 25, and a review of the methodology used to calculate the living wage.
The push comes amid growing concern over rising operational expenses, with new figures showing a loss of 10,800 retail jobs nationally over the past year and a 35% surge in retail insolvencies in the first half of 2026 alone.
Jean McCabe, Chief Executive Officer of Retail Excellence Ireland, warned that mounting wage costs are placing unprecedented strain on independent traders across Kerry.
“The retail industry has been under the most intense pressure from a range of cost pressures in recent times – and wage costs are the primary issue,” Ms McCabe said. “The industry is now seeing a rapid increase in insolvencies because of these pressures, so Government must now act unless it wants to see more businesses fail. Retailers standing together today shows just how widely this is being felt, in towns right across the country.”
Ms McCabe added that incoming PRSI rate increases scheduled for October 1 will deliver another major blow to small and medium enterprises unless urgent intervention is taken in the upcoming budget.
“We’re asking every TD, in every constituency, to back this ask,” Ms McCabe added. “And we’re asking Tánaiste Simon Harris, as Minister for Finance, to introduce it directly in Budget 2027. It’s costed, it’s modest, and it keeps jobs in local communities.”
Retailers join national campaign to cut PRSI and safeguard local jobs
Retailers and shop staff across Killarney joined forces this week as part of the nationwide ‘#CutPRSIKeepJobs’ campaign, calling on the Government to reduce employers’ PRSI contributions in Budget 2027 to protect local employment.
Organised by Retail Excellence Ireland (REI), the campaign saw shop owners and employees stand together to highlight the severe financial pressures facing town centre businesses.
The industry body is urging the Government to introduce an employer PRSI band of 8% on the first €36,000 of every wage, zero employer PRSI for workers under 25, and a review of the methodology used to calculate the living wage.
The push comes amid growing concern over rising operational expenses, with new figures showing a loss of 10,800 retail jobs nationally over the past year and a 35% surge in retail insolvencies in the first half of 2026 alone.
Jean McCabe, Chief Executive Officer of Retail Excellence Ireland, warned that mounting wage costs are placing unprecedented strain on independent traders across Kerry.
“The retail industry has been under the most intense pressure from a range of cost pressures in recent times – and wage costs are the primary issue,” Ms McCabe said. “The industry is now seeing a rapid increase in insolvencies because of these pressures, so Government must now act unless it wants to see more businesses fail. Retailers standing together today shows just how widely this is being felt, in towns right across the country.”
Ms McCabe added that incoming PRSI rate increases scheduled for October 1 will deliver another major blow to small and medium enterprises unless urgent intervention is taken in the upcoming budget.
“We’re asking every TD, in every constituency, to back this ask,” Ms McCabe added. “And we’re asking Tánaiste Simon Harris, as Minister for Finance, to introduce it directly in Budget 2027. It’s costed, it’s modest, and it keeps jobs in local communities.”
Retailers and shop staff across Killarney joined forces this week as part of the nationwide ‘#CutPRSIKeepJobs’ campaign, calling on the Government to reduce employers’ PRSI contributions in Budget 2027 to protect local employment.
Organised by Retail Excellence Ireland (REI), the campaign saw shop owners and employees stand together to highlight the severe financial pressures facing town centre businesses.
The industry body is urging the Government to introduce an employer PRSI band of 8% on the first €36,000 of every wage, zero employer PRSI for workers under 25, and a review of the methodology used to calculate the living wage.
The push comes amid growing concern over rising operational expenses, with new figures showing a loss of 10,800 retail jobs nationally over the past year and a 35% surge in retail insolvencies in the first half of 2026 alone.
Jean McCabe, Chief Executive Officer of Retail Excellence Ireland, warned that mounting wage costs are placing unprecedented strain on independent traders across Kerry.
“The retail industry has been under the most intense pressure from a range of cost pressures in recent times – and wage costs are the primary issue,” Ms McCabe said. “The industry is now seeing a rapid increase in insolvencies because of these pressures, so Government must now act unless it wants to see more businesses fail. Retailers standing together today shows just how widely this is being felt, in towns right across the country.”
Ms McCabe added that incoming PRSI rate increases scheduled for October 1 will deliver another major blow to small and medium enterprises unless urgent intervention is taken in the upcoming budget.
“We’re asking every TD, in every constituency, to back this ask,” Ms McCabe added. “And we’re asking Tánaiste Simon Harris, as Minister for Finance, to introduce it directly in Budget 2027. It’s costed, it’s modest, and it keeps jobs in local communities.”
Retailers join national campaign to cut PRSI and safeguard local jobs
Retailers and shop staff across Killarney joined forces this week as part of the nationwide ‘#CutPRSIKeepJobs’ campaign, calling on the...
European mixology elite heading to Pig’s Lane
Fresh off being named Ireland’s Bar of the Year 2026, Pig’s Lane is set to host world-renowned Athens cocktail destination...
WEEK 14: Felicity’s Summer in Killarney
WEEK 14Felicity’s Summer in Killarney Previously: Here on Dundag it was far easier to relax than anywhere else. They had...
Frustration mounts over morning gridlock at Coolcorcoran
Frustration mounts over morning gridlock at Coolcorcoran Mounting traffic gridlock at the Coolcorcoran junction onto the N22 Killarney Bypass is...
Ailbhe Keogan scoops top television writing award
Acclaimed Kerry screenwriter Ailbhe Keogan has won the Best TV Drama Script award at the 19th Writers’ Guild of Ireland...
Fossa Swimmers make a splash at County Finals
The Fossa Swim team pictured at the Tralee Sports Complex following their successful outing at the County Finals of the...
On the Ball Part 2 of the Mikey Daly Interview
Éamonn Fitzgerald EF: Killarney Celtic are invited to participate in an Irish competition. That has big financial implications for travel,...
LUKE MANGAN recently caught up with Kerry FC’s manager, Colin Healy.
He spoke to him about his careers as a player and manager. Here’s how it went: When you began your...
Home cup tie for St Paul’s could be epic
Paudie O’Connor National Cup (Round 1) Utility Trust St Paul’s v GCU Brunell Saturday 7.30pm Killarney Sports and Leisure Centre...
Chances of Kerry v Cork Munster final in 2026 decrease as Munster GAA delay seeding plan
After facing a backlash from Limerick, Clare, Waterford and Tipperary players, Munster GAA have postponed their plan to keep Cork...
