So Here's How I Survived My First 3 Day Water Fast

Definitely not for the faint of heart

I was unprepared. Even though it's been an irritating itch in the back of my skull for about six months now, it was a spur-of-the-moment decision. After finishing my third Spartan Race in two years, I got a little lazy. Maybe not lazy but a little too complacent for my own well-being. Even though I had been in the gym all week, I know when I'm not pushing myself to my maximum capacity. Then on a random Wednesday night at 11:57PM, I told myself out loud, "that's it, we're doing this water fast for the next 72 hours starting now!" Famous last words.

I went in ecstatic. I was proud of myself for accepting this new challenge. Since the seed was planted in my head over half a year ago, I had no idea that it would grow into a beanstalk big enough for Jack to climb with ease. I started to learn about the benefits of water fasting. It's a great way to detox your body on a cellular level. It's used in some religious circles as a spiritual cleanse. I was looking forward to those benifits as well but what was waiting on the other side of this spiritual and physical journey for me was the willpower to control my base urges. The ability to control my hunger would be a way to prove my willpower over myself, my greatest competitor.

So let the journey begin!

Day 1: I slept throughout the night pretty well and was able to get through the day since I was working from home. Surprisingly enough I wasn't too hungry until later that evening and even then, a cup of water was more than enough to soothe the stomach grumblings. I only really missed food when I attempted to go to bed on the first night. I felt like I was on punishment from a neglectful parent. Once I got past the first 24 hours, things began to get really interesting.

Day 2: Not only was I unable to sleep but I had an unusual flow of consistent creative energy. All Night Long. I started taking care of work that's been sitting on my metaphorical shelf for months with a newfound vigor and confidence that must've been sitting untapped in my psyche for some time now. Sitting in front of my laptop and catching up on my reading took center stage. I rode this wave of energy for most of the night until I wore myself out until I fell asleep. Then the third day was a doozy.

Day 3: The most challenging day by far. Not only was my sleep pattern now thrown off but I went for a walk to keep my mind busy, which may have been a mistake. I should have rested more because my muscles began to feel the strain of not having any nutrients for over 48 hours now and moving made me increase my water intake significantly. After I struggled to make it back home, my mind was so weary I couldn't focus enough to read. Then I couldn't focus enough to watch TV. I spent the final hours of the last day watching time go slower that treadmill minutes while drowning my thoughts out to my playlist. During those final minutes I was focused on the glass of electrolyte-infused water to begin my fast break. I felt weak and physically defeated with a calming euphoria of accomplishment right before I took that first sip after 72 hours.

The chicken noodle soup and bone broth combination brought me right back to my senses within about a couple of hours. My focus came back and I was able to sit and examine the discipline and drive that it takes to follow such a task. It taught me the art of detachment. Sometimes it is easy for us to slip into bad habits and vices believing that we need them to survive. If somehow, we didn't have that morning smoke or that drink during lunch that we somehow wouldn't be able to function optimally. Being able to detach myself from ingesting anything except water for 3 day taught me that I have the will to do what needs to be done to push myself.

I would not advise anyone to attempt a 3 day water fast unless you've done a 18-48 hour fast initially to prepare your body beforehand. Speak to your doctor first, as it is a real strain on your mind and body. I would recommend it for more to find your deep strength.

That's what I found. Let's find yours!