How to Get Stuff Done When you are Dead Tired

Are you completely exhausted but still have a to-do list a mile long? We have some tips to help you push through and get stuff done even when you have no energy.

I spend a lot of my life absolutely exhausted. It’s a problem and I’m working on it but with 6 kids and a full time work at home job, it’s also just part of the phase of life I’m in. While I’m working on finding ways to get more sleep, there are still many days when I’m dragging.

I’m guessing you can relate.

Unfortunately, even on those days when you are dead tired, there’s usually still stuff that has to get done.

So how do you get stuff done when you are exhausted?

There are definitely some tricks to working through your to-do list when you are tired. They aren’t always fun, but these tricks will get you through the day and often give you an extra burst of energy.

I use these tricks often (I really need to get to bed earlier), and they make such a huge difference when my energy levels are low.

Work in short Bursts

When you are tired, the thought of tackling a big project, especially if it is one you aren’t excited about can be massively overwhelming. Break big projects into smaller tasks. Set goals for each smaller task (and give yourself a reward after completing each one if you need to).

One thing that really helps me push through when I’m tired is having an end in sight. I use a timer to help myself stay on tasks for short bursts of time. Even when I’m tired, I know I can do anything for 5 minutes. Set a timer for 5 minutes and focus on one task. When the timer goes off, stop. You can use the timer on your phone or I like this timer found here on Amazon because it has a little stand that makes it easy to use on my desk and they come in a pack of two so I can pop one in my office and once in my kitchen.

Take a Power Nap

On those days when you are working so slow (or find that you are really just staring at a computer screen), give up and go take a nap. You’ll likely get more done by resting then getting to work than you would if you just tried to push through. Set an alarm and make sure your nap doesn’t go on more than about 30-45 minutes or you’ll end up groggy.

Eliminate Distractions

I know how many things you juggle. On a normal day you can probably manage pretty well. On a day when you are sleep deprived and struggling to get through the basics all those little distractions can be overwhelming.

Have you ever had one of those moments that you just feel like your brain is going to shut down? Being tired and having too many things fighting for my attention does that to me.

If you are working from home, shut off anything on your computer that isn’t necessary. Turn off the Facebook alerts. Put your phone on vibrate. Close out any windows you aren’t actively using.

When your brain is tired, focus only on the one thing you are working on in that moment. You may be able to switch quickly between tasks when you are rested, but when you are tired, put your blinders on and focus only on the task at hand.

Diffuse Essential Oils

Have you ever tried aroma therapy to relax? You can use essential oils to perk yourself up too. I keep a diffuser on my desk and when I’m dragging during the day, I love to fill it with orange, lemon, or peppermint essential oils to help perk myself up.

The smell is amazing and it really does seem to give me the ability to push through those really tired spells.

I’ve tried all kinds of brands of essential oils over the years. After testing so many out (seriously, you should see my essential oil drawer), I’m loving doTERRA oils and that’s what I’m going to stick with now.

Do you want to get some essential oils for free? Sign up before May 31st (and place a 100pv order) and you’ll not only get 50 free product points but I’ll also send you a free bottle of Wild Orange oil to help you get through those days when you are exhausted. Check out how to sign up for a wholesale membership here. If you sign up, email me so I can get you your free oil.

Exercise

I know. I KNOW. Exercise is the very last thing you want to be doing when you are tired, BUT, there really is nothing better for waking you up. When I’m dragging and find that I’ve been staring at my computer for the last 15 minutes and gotten nothing done, I know a quick walk around the block (or even the house) will help wake me up and get me going.

Getting outside seems to be the most effective for me. If that isn’t an option, do some quick pushups or run up and down your stairs a few times.

I use a FitDesk while I work and I love it. On those tired days, I’ll pedal slowly but it keeps me more alert than I would be if I was just sitting at my desk.

If you don’t have a FitDesk, try putting your computer on your kitchen counter so you can stand while you work to make an improvised standing desk. If you want something a bit more permanent, this standing desk looks like a great deal.

Give into the Munchies

When I gained some weight after having my twins, yes AFTER (which is absolutely not fair) I couldn’t figure out what was going on. I finally realized that I was compensating for being completely and totally exhausted with terrible snacking habits. While I wouldn’t recommend completely giving into your cravings (because if you are like me, I’d eat my body weight in brownies if I did that), I would suggest that a snack can be a great way to give yourself a boost of energy when you are running low.

Focus on snacks that give you a healthy source of energy like fresh fruit instead of sugar, whole grains instead of chips, or nuts instead of whatever you happen to pull out of your freezer.

I’m all for making things from scratch but when I’m tired, that won’t happen so I keep a stash of healthy snacks from Thrive Market on hand. If you have not discovered Thrive Market yet, your life is about to get a whole lot easier. Think of Thrive Market like an online Costco filled with healthy food options. They have everything from granola bars to baking soda. I even found my favorite shampoo there for half off what I was paying at Target!

Get 25% off your first order at Thrive Market and FREE SHIPPING by clicking this link. This offer is only good until the end of the month (and it’s a good one so don’t miss out!).

Give yourself Something to Look Forward to

When I’m exhausted, I need something to look forward to at the end of the day. Maybe you want to dig into that tray of brownies, watch your favorite show, or go to bed early so you won’t be dealing with the same problems tomorrow.

Whatever it is, make sure you have something that you are looking forward to after you make it through the day.

How do you get through your to-do list when you are exhausted?

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