Fasting: My Journey to Emotional Resilience and Personal Renewal

In a world of constant noise, demands, and distractions, taking a step back can feel almost impossible. Yet, it’s in those moments of stillness that we can truly rediscover ourselves. My first experience with fasting in 2011 was not just about detoxifying my body—it was about finding clarity, building emotional resilience, and reconnecting with my deeper purpose.

Fasting: Not Just a Trend

Fasting has been practised for millennia, woven into the fabric of religious traditions and traditional medicine across cultures. It’s no surprise—it’s a simple yet powerful way to purify both body and mind. Despite this rich history, some today dismiss fasting as a “fad diet,” mocking those who practise it without understanding its deeper significance.

But fasting is far from a passing trend. Emerging research is shining a light on its incredible health benefits, from improved cellular autophagy (the process of recycling damaged cells) to ketone-fuelled energy that enhances mental and physical performance.

For me, fasting was the tool that helped me break free from a cycle of emotional burnout. This is the story of how I found my way to this life-changing practice.

The Turning Point

Christmas 2010 was a particularly dark time for me. I was trapped in a cloud of depression—exhausted, irritable, and utterly lost. Every small task felt insurmountable, and my relationships with my family were strained. I snapped at my husband constantly, feeling like nothing he did could please me.

When he asked me what I wanted for Christmas, my answer surprised us both: “I just want to go away. Alone.” I craved time to think, to rest, and to escape the relentless cycle of responsibilities that left me feeling empty.

To my astonishment, he agreed without hesitation. “Book yourself a holiday,” he said. For the first time in years, I felt a flicker of hope—a chance to prioritise myself after 17 years of dedicating everything to my family.

Rediscovering Myself at Cloona

I booked a retreat at Cloona, Westport, just a few hours from home. Staying close to Ireland reassured me in case of emergencies, but the physical and emotional distance gave me space to breathe.

That week at Cloona was transformative. I immersed myself in yoga, mindfulness, and Ayurvedic practices, learning how to nourish both my body and my spirit. For the first time in years, I had the mental clarity to reflect on my life and envision a new path forward.

When I returned home, the changes were undeniable. I was lighter—not just physically, but emotionally. My energy had returned, and I felt a renewed sense of purpose. When I told my sister about the experience, she suggested we try something together the following year: a detox retreat.

The Leap Into Fasting

In 2011, my sister found a fasting and hiking retreat in France. At first, I was reluctant. Fasting for seven days seemed extreme, even dangerous. “We can’t survive a week without eating!” I told her. But after researching the centre’s reputation and speaking to the organisers, I decided to trust her—and to trust myself.

The experience was nothing short of transformative. Under the guidance of experienced naturopaths, we safely embarked on a Buchinger-style fast. Despite my initial fears, I found that my body adapted quickly. I could hike for hours, attend yoga sessions, and enjoy relaxation therapies—all while fasting.

The retreat was not just a physical detox but an emotional and mental reset. Sharing the experience with a group of like-minded individuals created a sense of community and support that amplified the impact of the week. By the time I returned home, I felt reborn—reconnected with my body, mind, and spirit.

What Fasting Taught Me

Fasting taught me to listen to my body in a way I never had before. I learned that hunger isn’t always a call for food; sometimes it’s a call for reflection. Fasting allowed me to break free from unhealthy habits and gave my body the time and space it needed to heal and regenerate.

From that first experience, I’ve embraced fasting as an annual ritual. Over the years, I’ve experimented with different durations and centres, each time gaining new insights into myself and my health.

The Wisdom of Tradition

Fasting resonates deeply because it’s part of who we are as humans. In ancient cultures, fasting wasn’t just a health practice—it was a spiritual one, designed to cleanse the soul as much as the body. Today, science is catching up with tradition, confirming the benefits that healers and sages have known for thousands of years.

Our modern world is filled with excess—of food, information, and stress. Fasting offers a way to simplify, to reset, and to reconnect with what truly matters.

Bringing Fasting Home

Inspired by my journey, I trained as a Nutritional Therapist in 2016 and later earned a Fasting Coach Certificate. Today, I lead detox retreats in Wicklow and Wexford counties, Ireland, helping others rediscover their health and vitality through fasting. Alongside my colleague Gabby, an experienced nurse, I create a safe, supportive environment where participants can embark on their own transformative journeys.

Why Fasting Isn’t Just a Trend

Fasting isn’t about deprivation—it’s about restoration. When practised correctly, it’s a deeply healing experience that empowers the body and mind to function at their best.

For me, fasting is more than a health practice—it’s a way of life. It’s the tool that helped me break free from burnout, find emotional resilience, and embrace a brighter, healthier future.

* Please be aware that fasting may not be suitable for individuals with certain health conditions or those in poor health, as there are several important contraindications to consider. For more information, you can refer to the “Who Should Not Fast” section on my website. If you have any health concerns, it is essential to consult with your doctor before undertaking your first fast.

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