Feeling like you’ve reached your mental capacity can be frustrating. Burnout can quickly lead to cycles of reduced productivity, leaving you feeling overwhelmed and tired. But overcoming mental tiredness or exhaustion is no quick fix or a problem that can be solved with force. So how can you effectively recharge your mental battery or prevent mental exhaustion from reoccurring? Here are 3 simple tips for recharging your mental battery:
- Recharge yourself physically – Often, mental exhaustion occurs when your mind feels overwhelmed and your body is under-exercised. Experts find that this is why people are more likely to struggle with sleepless nights when they are mentally exhausted, or will feel unrefreshed from sleep. Recharging yourself physically is a great way to restart your system and get yourself a refresh. This is because exercise releases endorphins that can help to combat mental stress. Exercise also will give you more energy and can be a great release from brain fog or lack of motivation. Going for a short run, doing some yoga, or even going for a swim can completely shift your mindset. Consider including more exercise in your daily routine if you can feel yourself getting burnt out.
- Connecting – Mental exhaustion is more likely to happen if you feel disconnected. Reconnecting with loved ones, with nature, or with an old hobby or interest can be an optimal way to take care of yourself mentally. It can be rewarding, and fulfilling, and can help to reduce mental exhaustion. It can be cathartic to reconnect with yourself, and it is always helpful to express your thoughts and emotions to a loved one or express yourself through a hobby.
- Taking a break – Listening to your body in a time of mental tiredness can prevent the cycle from continuing, and prevention is better than a cure. Taking regular breaks from anything particularly stressful will give you the time and opportunity to recharge. This is especially important if you work from home, as it can be more difficult to get into a state of relaxation if your mind is still focused on work. Decompressing at the end of the day will also improve your quality of sleep, which can help you to feel more refreshed each morning.
Mental tiredness is common, and it is most likely to occur at the worst possible times! If you are under stress, you may struggle with brain fog, lack of focus, and a general feeling of tiredness. Another common cause is boredom – if you are keeping to the same old routine and feeling like things have got monotonous, it might be a good time to mix things up and try something different. This can shake you out of a rut of tiredness!
