We’ve all had those days. You wake up already feeling worn out. Maybe you tossed and turned
all night. Maybe you’ve been juggling too much for too long. Maybe there’s no big reason—you’re just plain exhausted. And yet, the world keeps turning and your TO DO list isn’t getting any shorter.
So how do you get anything done when you're running on empty? Here’s how to move through the fatigue without burning out
completely:
1. Be Gentle with Yourself First. Start with kindness. Instead of berating yourself for not feeling up to par, acknowledge your fatigue. Say to yourself, "I’m really tired today. I’ll go easy, but I’ll still do what I can." This shift in mindset helps reduce resistance and makes even small tasks feel more
doable.
2. Pick the One Most Important Thing. When you're drained, your brain can't handle a dozen competing priorities. So ask: What’s the one thing that, if I got it done today, would give me the most relief or peace of mind? Do that first. Whether it's paying a bill, answering one email, or switching the laundry,
focus on that one thing.
3. Use the Two-Minute Rule. Anything you can do in two minutes or less—just do it. Reply to a text, put dishes in the dishwasher, throw away the junk mail. Tiny wins build momentum and can help you feel just a bit more functional, even on low power mode.
4. Work in Intervals. Instead of pushing through a long stretch, set a timer for just 10 or 15 minutes. Tell yourself, “I’ll just do a little.” Then take a real break. Rest. Sip some water. Lie down if you need to. Then, if you can, try another short burst. This way, you’re cycling between effort and recovery.
5. Simplify and Shrink the Task. Big things feel impossible when you’re tired. So shrink them. Don’t “clean the whole kitchen”—wipe the counter. Don’t “organize the closet”—just pull out five things you know you don’t wear. Small steps are still forward movement.
6. Lean on Systems or Routines. If you already have simple systems in place (like always sorting mail as soon as you walk in the door), let them carry you. When your energy is gone, you don’t want to make new decisions—you want to glide on autopilot.
7. Cut the Non-Essentials. This is not the day to alphabetize your spices or clean under the fridge. Be ruthless about what can wait. Delegate. Say no. Put it on next week’s list. The only things that have to get done are the things that truly matter.
8. Reward Yourself Like
Crazy: Finish one task? Sit with a cup of tea and do nothing. Got through your day with only the basics done? That counts. You don’t need to be superhuman to earn a break.
Being tired doesn’t mean you’re lazy or unmotivated. It means you’re human. Some days you have extra energy. Other days, you’re simply surviving—and that’s
okay.
BUT...if you find yourself feeling so so so tired more often than not, don’t brush it off. Chronic fatigue could be your body’s way of waving a red flag. Sometimes it’s something as simple as needing a few shifts in your daily routine or diet. Other times, it could be a sign of something more serious. Get checked and be well.
On another note, I recommend...
My carefully curated list of clever kitchen tools cuts down on food prep—so you can spend less time in the kitchen and
more time enjoying your meals. Each item is practical, efficient, and a real helper for busy days!
