Are you struggling to get things done because you feel mentally exhausted? Feeling overwhelmed and not being able to focus on anything is frustrating, but with these 8 tips, you can get back on track when you’re mentally exhausted.
We’ve all been there – feeling totally drained and not wanting to do anything.
The days drag on, and before we know it, we’ve wasted hours of our time without getting anything done, but it doesn’t have to be this way.
Keep reading to find out how you can stop wasting time when feeling mentally exhausted.
The first step is to understand that mental exhaustion is different from physical exhaustion. Mental exhaustion is usually caused by stress, while physical exhaustion is usually caused by overexertion.
Mental exhaustion can be caused by a variety of factors, including work stress, relationship problems, financial worries, and more. It can lead to being overwhelmed, anxious, and even depressed.
When you’ve got a busy day ahead, whether it be school or work, the last thing you want to do is waste time. Unfortunately, when you’re mentally exhausted, that’s often what happens. We can’t focus, we can’t concentrate, and we end up spending hours doing nothing productive.
So how can you stop wasting time when you’re mentally exhausted? You can’t, at least not at first, which is why you need to accept and work within your limitations.
When you’re mentally exhausted, the first thing you need to do is accept that you won’t be able to accomplish as much as you’d like. This doesn’t mean that you should give up or that you shouldn’t try at all; it just means that you need to be realistic about what you can and cannot do.
Pushing yourself over the edge of your limitations may work in the short term, but it’s not sustainable in the long term. You need habits and systems in place that will help you work smarter, not harder.
With that being said, here are a few tips you can do to minimize the amount of time you waste while you’re mentally exhausted and make the most of your day.
1. Identify your biggest time-wasters.
Do you spend too much time on social media? Do you have a hard time saying no to requests from others? Are you working on projects that are no longer a priority?
Once you know what’s causing you to feel mentally exhausted, you can start to make changes.
For instance, if social media is one of your biggest distractions, try setting limits on how much time you can spend on it each day. Decide how much time you want to spend on social media each day, and then stick to it. If you find that you’re still wasting time, try reducing the amount of time you spend even further.
You may also want to consider taking a break from some of your less important projects and focus on the most important ones to you.
Remember, it’s okay to take a break when feeling overwhelmed, and it might be exactly what you need to get back on track; the key is to find a balance that works for you.
2. Make a to-do list of all the tasks that need to be done and list them based on their priority.
When you have a lot on your plate, it can be helpful to make a list of all the tasks that need to be done to help you see what’s most important and allow you to plan your time accordingly.
Start by making a list of everything that needs to be done. Not all tasks are created equal; some tasks are more important than others, so rank each task based on its priority level.
For instance, if you have a work deadline coming up, that would be considered a high-priority task. On the other hand, tasks like laundry and grocery shopping can usually be put on the backburner.
To help you figure out what’s most important, ask yourself questions like:
- What is the deadline for this task?
- What are the consequences of not completing this task?
- How much time and energy will this task take?
Once you have a better idea of what’s most important, you can start tackling your to-do list. And if you’re still feeling overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to ask for help. There’s no shame in admitting that you need some assistance!
3. Delegate tasks that can be easily outsourced and eliminate anything that isn’t essential.
One of the best ways to stop wasting time is to delegate tasks that can be easily outsourced. This could include hiring a virtual assistant to handle your email or hiring a professional cleaning service to clean your home.
You should also eliminate anything on your list that isn’t essential, meaning that if a task isn’t going to help you move closer to your goal, then it’s not worth your time. You can free up some much-needed time and energy by delegating and eliminating.
4. Create and stick to your new habits and systems, even when you don’t feel like it.
Creating new habits and systems that work for you may take some time and trial and error, but that’s only half the battle. The other half is sticking to them, even when you don’t feel like it.
The key is to make your habits and systems as simple and realistic as possible. Start small, with just one or two changes. Once you’ve made some progress, you can add more changes.
For instance, if you know that you’re more productive in the morning, make it a habit to wake up early and start your day with a set routine.
If you find that you’re struggling to stick to your new habits, try using a tracking system to help you stay on track; there are a number of apps and websites that can help you with this.
Everyone is different, so what works for one person may not work for another, so find what works best for you.
Once you have your habits and systems in place, you’ll be able to work more efficiently and effectively, therefore, being able to get through your to-do list with ease, avoiding mental exhaustion altogether; beware these habits that will destroy your focus and productivity.
5. Take short breaks between tasks to recharge your batteries.
When you’re feeling mentally exhausted, it’s important to take short breaks between tasks to help you recharge your batteries and avoid burnout.
Try setting a timer for five or ten minutes and either take a quick walk around the block or step away from your desk and do some stretching exercises.
Taking a few minutes to yourself can make a world of difference when you’re feeling overwhelmed.
If taking short breaks isn’t cutting it, then perhaps, you need to take a day off to fully recharge mentally and physically.
6. Set a time limit for each task and commit to finishing it within that timeframe.
If you find yourself taking too long to complete a task or getting easily sidetracked, then it might be helpful to set a time limit for each task.
Start by estimating how long each task will take, and then add an extra 30 minutes just to be safe. Once you have a time limit in mind, commit to finishing the task within that timeframe.
If you find that you’re still taking too long to complete a task, try breaking it down into smaller steps. That way, you can focus on one thing at a time and avoid getting overwhelmed.
Once you’ve gotten into the habit of setting time limits, you’ll be surprised at how much more productive you can be. And you’ll be less likely to feel mentally exhausted at the end of the day.
7. Find an accountability partner to help you stay on track.
If you’re struggling to stay on track, find an accountability partner. This could be a friend, family member, or coworker, and having someone to check in with can help you stay focused and motivated.
Your accountability partner doesn’t need to be involved in every aspect of your life. But it’s important to choose someone who will understand your goals and be supportive.
8. Seek professional help.
If you’re struggling to cope with mental exhaustion on your own, even after following all of the tips above, it’s important to seek professional help.
Mental exhaustion can be a sign of an underlying mental health condition, such as anxiety or depression, and a therapist can help you identify the root causes of your stress and develop a plan to manage it.
These are just a few tips to help you stop wasting time when you’re feeling mentally exhausted. With a little effort, you can get back on track and start being productive again.
Just remember to take it one step at a time and be patient with yourself. Rome wasn’t built in a day so give yourself some grace as you learn the ropes, and soon enough, you’ll be an expert.
What are some of your favorite tips for managing your time? Share them in the comments below!
