Exhausted every day? Let’s face it… We live in a GO, GO, GO world. We’re always busy. So, it’s really not that surprising that many of us are dealing with feeling run down or just flat-out exhausted – All. The. Time! It feels like exhaustion is more and more common. But are there everyday habits we’re doing that may lead to us feeling tired?
HuffPost put together a list of 12 habits that are “secretly exhausting you.” And I will say, there are many of these that I’m guilty of, and maybe you are too.
Let’s dig in to a few of them!
Too Many Tabs
This particular habit immediately jumped out at me. Why? Because I’m currently sitting here with 8 tabs open. And honestly, that’s a low number for me. But according to HuffPost, we’re overworking our brains. Even though it may feel like we’re getting a lot done, we’re not fully processing anything. So, you’re basically causing mental fatigue!
The suggestion? Ask yourself regularly what you actually need to have open at any given moment. If a tab isn’t serving a purpose for your currently project, maybe bookmark it and come back to it later.
Personally, I do try to either bookmark the link or I’ll even email the link to myself and flag it in my email for later. But more often than not, I’m going to have a ton of tabs open. I also will have 2 browsers open and try to move related tabs all to the same browser window.
What Are You Watching?
According to their list, HuffPost says watching emotionally charged shows can lead to mental exhaustion. This can be due to “trait identification,” which means you’re putting yourself in the character’s shoes and imagining your dealing with the same emotions, feelings, and situations as the character.
I never really thought about what I’m watching having an effect on my energy level. And I do watch quite a few emotionally charged shows. I usually think of what I’m watching as a form of escape or mindlessness. It’s a way I disconnect. But I’m sure watching crime shows and documentaries isn’t always the best for my mental state.
Basically, they suggest being more mindful of the content you consume and how it impacts you. And they also suggest limiting the amount of time you spend each week watching those more emotional shows.
Eating Habits
It’s no surprise here that something related to eating will impact your energy levels. But the main thing they point out here is waiting too long between meals. I am definitely guilty of this one at times.
I often find myself really consumed with something I’m working on. And then I don’t want to take a break to eat. Next thing you know, a long time has passed and I’m starving.
Obviously, our bodies use food as fuel, and it’s important to have a steady supply of nutrients to function. But if we go too long between meals, it can distrupt our system and lead us to having cravings that probably aren’t going to be the healthiest!
Solution? Try not to go more than 5 hours without eating (other than overnight). Maybe keep snacks on hand so you can grab them easily and keep yourself from reaching that ravenous stage.
And BREATHE
I’ve read and listened to a lot of research and information about breathing. And while we think it’s such a natural thing, so many of us aren’t breathing properly, me included!
I find myself suddenly having to take a deep breath because it’s almost like I’ve been holding my breath while working on something. Or I have just been taking shallow breaths. And when your body doesn’t get the oxygen it needs, it can tend to leave us feeling more tired.
How can you fix it? If you’re tense, stressed, or even deeply focused on project, try to remind yourself to take a few deep breaths. Diaphragmatic breathing is ideal for helping you take deeper, more invigorating breaths. This breathing incorporates your diaphram, while your chest remains still.
This is one I am alway going to have to work on. I was really doing well with meditation for a while, and that helped tremendously. But I’ve fallen out of practice, so maybe this is a good reminder for myself to get back to it!
Habits And Exhaustion
There are many things we do every day that maybe we don’t realize are contributing to our energy levels. But like with most things, you don’t have to tackle them all at once. Maybe pick the one that you think is your biggest habit, and work on that. Once you’ve practiced it for a while, then maybe tackle another habit!
Check out the rest of the 12 habits from HuffPost that could be leading to exhaustion in your own life – Click Here!
10 Desk Toys & Gadgets That’ll Help You Take A Break From Work
5) Desktop Golf
This desktop golf set is a great gift idea for the golf guy in the office. It comes with 3 different “clubs” and will help you work on your “short” game.
6) Paper Football
This is the ultimate desk game. Instead of having to make the up-rights with your hands, this game comes with actual pieces. You can practice your “football” skills while also taking a break from work.
7) Mini Tetherball
I used to love playing tetherball when I was younger. A mini tetherball for my desk sounds perfect! I can already picture just how much fun this could be on your own or with a coworker.
8) Mini Retro Arcade
For those of you who love gaming and reminiscing about retro games this machine has 200 retro games built into it. This would easily help you take a brain break.
10) Fidget Toy Pack
You can’t go wrong with fidget toys. This pack of 7 has different fidgets that can help you relieve tension, anxiety, and any other stress that work may be causing you on a regular basis.
Please note that items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time we published this list. Have an idea for a fun theme for a gift idea list you’d like us to create? Drop us a line at shopping@bbgi.com.
