(HealthyAccess)- Spacing out, forgetting what we’re doing, and losing our train of thought are all signs of mental fatigue. The stress of juggling multiple responsibilities can sometimes leave our brains feeling depleted, causing us to feel overwhelmed and exhausted.
We understand that certain activities, such as consuming calories, can help our bodies feel more energetic. But what about our minds? Is there anything we can do to prevent mental fatigue and give our brains an added boost of energy?
#1 Have a snack.
Having snacks gives us energy–both for our bodies and minds. Just be sure to choose a healthy snack over a sugary one that will give a burst of energy before a crash.
#2 Exercise.
It may seem counterintuitive, but exercising our bodies actually benefits our minds. Exercise makes us less susceptible to mental fatigue, according to research.
#3 Stop wasting time.
When we examine how we spend our time, we may find that there are activities that drain our brains. Scrolling through social media, playing games on our phones, or even mindlessly watching television can contribute to mental exhaustion.
Instead, we can make a list of activities that make us feel replenished rather than drained. Spending time in nature, doing an art project, or practicing another enriching hobby could replace time-wasting activities with better results and energy.
#4 Sleep more.
Having a restful, healthy sleep routine can be a preventative measure for mental fatigue. Going to bed earlier is one way to get more sleep, but we can also create routines like going screen-free before bedtime, turning down the lights in the evening, and reducing evening caffeine consumption. Short naps can also help prevent mental exhaustion.
#5 Don’t do anything at all.
Take breaks to do absolutely nothing. Sometimes, the best rest is not planning anything, and having down time to rest, to think, and just to be. Frequent breaks during the day can help replenish energy.
#6 Stick to a schedule.
Staying on a schedule is a great way to prevent fatigue. We can schedule time for work as well as time for breaks, rest, and play. When we keep a schedule, we can more easily make sure that our schedules factor in balance.
#7 Prioritize tasks.
When we have lower energy, we should do easier tasks and save more difficult tasks for days when our energy is replenished. Instead of multitasking, we can focus on individual tasks, breaking larger tasks into smaller steps.
By prioritizing tasks based on importance and factoring in our energy levels, we allow for energy fluctuations in our lives while still maintaining productivity. Accepting that some days we will have less energy than others helps us keep our expectations in line with reality and could even help prevent mental fatigue.
By planning ahead and practicing self-care, we can prevent mental fatigue and feel rested and ready to take on the world.
~Here’s to a Happier, Healthier Life!
Copyright 2021, HealthyAccess.com
