If you’ve ever wondered how to stop feeling tired, this article is for you.
There’s a widely shared idea that suggests working smart is more important than working hard. While there’s some truth to this, it’s not as simple as it sounds. The concept of “working smart” is elusive for many of us. Additionally, let’s face it: we’re naturally inclined toward laziness.
It’s a fact—humans love comfort. I know, it sounds harsh, but it’s true. Many would argue against this claim, but deep down, we all prefer the ease of comfort and convenience. Sometimes, this desire leads us to procrastinate, but often, it just means we avoid doing anything at all. This isn’t about delaying tasks for later, it’s about a complete lack of motivation to do anything, even when we know we should.
If we give in to this laziness every day, nothing will get done. Sure, the 24-hour limit of a day can feel overwhelming, and it’s easy to feel discouraged about how much we can accomplish in such a short amount of time. But here’s the thing: that 24 hours is more than enough if you use it wisely.
The key is not only to work smart but to prime yourself for productivity and high energy levels. In this guide, I’ll share some strategies to boost your energy, overcome laziness, and become more productive overall.
Let’s dive in with some key habits:
How To Stop Feeling Tired When You Get Things Done:
1. Master the Art of Planning
The to-do list is one of the oldest productivity tools, and for good reason. When done right, it can drastically increase your productivity. But just writing down a list of tasks isn’t enough—you need to make sure your list is structured to help you prioritize what truly matters.
Start by identifying the three most important tasks you absolutely need to complete. Focusing on these first will give you a sense of accomplishment and energy, making it easier to tackle less critical tasks afterward. This method prevents you from feeling overwhelmed by a mountain of tasks.
But there’s more to it than just creating a list. The real trick is to plan your day ahead of time—preferably the night before. Dedicate 30 minutes to an hour before bed to outline your next day. This doesn’t have to be down to the minute, but a basic outline of what you’ll be doing helps reduce decision fatigue. Plus, it calms your mind, allowing you to rest better and preventing you from lying awake wondering what you need to do.
2. Let Go of Ego-Driven Commitments
Not all commitments are worth pursuing, especially if they’re primarily driven by ego or the desire to impress others. It’s tempting to take on extra tasks that might look good on paper—like adding credentials to your resume or participating in activities that boost your social status. However, if these commitments don’t actually help you grow or improve your productivity, they are distractions.
Our ego often guides us both to success and to failure. While it can push us to achieve great things, it can also lead us to waste time on things that don’t truly serve us. Ask yourself: Does this task contribute to your goals or your well-being? If it doesn’t, it’s time to let it go.
Remember, time and energy are your most valuable resources. Any commitment that doesn’t provide real, tangible benefits isn’t worth your attention. It’s easy to get caught up in the allure of superficial accomplishments, but true productivity comes from focusing on what truly matters.
3. Discover Your Peak Productivity Times
Are you energized at sunrise, or do you hit your stride late at night? Do post-lunch slumps hit you hard, or do you thrive after physical activity, like a gym session? Productivity isn’t a one-size-fits-all formula. It’s highly personal, and understanding your own rhythm is essential.
Start by tracking your energy levels throughout the day. Pay attention to when you feel naturally alert and when your energy wanes. You might find that mornings are ideal for tackling high-focus tasks like writing or analyzing data, while afternoons are better for more routine work or meetings. Once you’ve identified your productivity peaks, plan your schedule to align with them. For example:
- Morning Person? Use the early hours for deep, strategic work like brainstorming or problem-solving.
- Night Owl? Save creative or demanding tasks for when you feel sharpest after sunset.
- Midday Mover? Block out time for challenging tasks after lunch if you’re refreshed by a break or workout.
The better you know your natural rhythms, the easier it becomes to maximize productivity without battling against your natural inclinations. This self-awareness helps you work smarter, not harder.
4. Build Habits That Stick
Consistency is your secret weapon. Developing good habits creates a foundation for long-term productivity because habits reduce the mental energy required to get things done. Instead of relying on willpower every day, habits allow you to work on autopilot.
Here’s how to build effective habits:
- Start Small: Choose a simple action to repeat, like spending 10 minutes reviewing your goals each morning.
- Tie It to a Trigger: Link the habit to something you already do. For instance, review your calendar immediately after your morning coffee.
- Celebrate Small Wins: Reward yourself when you stick to your habit. Acknowledge progress, even if it’s minor.
- Be Patient: Habits take time—typically weeks or even months to solidify. Keep at it.
For example, if you set a habit of responding to emails at 10 a.m. daily, it becomes routine. Over time, this consistent effort reduces decision fatigue and helps you establish a rhythm. Your brain starts expecting the activity, making it feel less like a chore and more like a natural part of your day.
5. Limit Distractions Like Email and Messages
Constant interruptions kill productivity. Checking your inbox or replying to messages every few minutes creates a cycle of distraction that derails focus and wastes time. Instead, batch these tasks to regain control over your schedule.
Here’s how to streamline communication habits:
- Schedule Inbox Time: Dedicate specific times to check and reply to emails, such as once in the morning and once in the afternoon. Avoid letting emails dictate your day.
- Mute Notifications: Turn off non-urgent app alerts on your phone and computer. Reserve notifications for priority contacts only.
- Set Boundaries: Use tools like “Do Not Disturb” mode or selective ringtones for key individuals to minimize interruptions.
For instance, designate 9–10 a.m. as your email block, and ignore your inbox outside that window. Doing so not only improves your focus on other tasks but also trains others to respect your availability.
6. Optimize Your Workspace for Productivity
Your environment significantly impacts your ability to focus and stay on task. Working in a space that encourages efficiency can make all the difference. The goal is to create a clear boundary between your workspace and relaxation areas, ensuring your brain associates each with its intended purpose.
Here’s how to create an ideal workspace:
- Find the Right Spot: Whether it’s a quiet office, a lively café, or a library, choose a place that complements your work style.
- Declutter: Keep your desk clean and organized. A clutter-free space reduces mental stress and boosts focus.
- Ensure Comfort: Use ergonomic furniture, proper lighting, and tools that make work easier (e.g., a good chair, noise-canceling headphones, or dual monitors).
- Separate Work from Leisure: Avoid working in bed or on the couch—spaces associated with relaxation can hamper productivity.
For example, if you’re a student, consider studying at a library where the environment promotes focus. Writers might find inspiration in a cozy café, while remote workers may benefit from setting up a dedicated home office. Experiment until you find the setting that feels most conducive to productivity.
By knowing both when and where you’re most productive, you create an environment that supports your goals and makes your workdays more effective and enjoyable.
7. Trim Down on Leisure Activities That Don’t Add Value
Taking time to relax and have fun is essential for recharging your mental and emotional batteries. However, not all leisure activities are equally beneficial. Some may simply eat up your time without offering much in return.
Take an honest look at how you spend your downtime. Are there activities that don’t truly bring you joy or help you unwind? For example, if you spend hours scrolling through social media or binge-watching shows you’re not even invested in, it might be time to cut back. The rule of thumb? If it’s not something you’d make a priority on vacation, it’s likely not worth your time during a busy week either.
Let’s say you love playing video games to de-stress. While this can be a fun outlet, it’s easy to let it consume hours you could use more productively. Instead, limit gaming sessions to specific times and try substituting some of that time with activities that refresh you in different ways, like reading, learning a new skill, or engaging in creative hobbies.
8. Recharge Your Mind with Midday Exercise
Feeling stuck creatively or mentally foggy? A quick midday workout might be just what you need. Physical activity can clear your head and help you tackle problems from a fresh perspective.
For instance, if you’re a writer struggling with a story or a designer searching for inspiration, take a 20–30 minute break for a brisk walk, a jog, or even a short gym session. Movement increases blood flow to your brain, helping you process information and generate new ideas. By the time you return to your task, you may find solutions you couldn’t see before.
Even a simple activity like stretching or doing yoga for 10 minutes can invigorate your mind and body, giving you the energy to power through the rest of your day.
9. Avoid Overtraining: Balance Is Key
Exercise is a great way to boost energy and productivity, but too much of it can have the opposite effect. Overtraining can leave you feeling drained, sore, and unmotivated. If you’re finding it harder to recover from workouts or noticing fatigue spilling into other areas of your life, it’s time to reassess your routine.
For example, if you used to hit the gym five days a week but now feel perpetually exhausted, reduce your intensity or volume for a week. Fitness expert Tom Holland recommends scaling back your workouts by 25% for a short period. This gives your body time to recover without losing progress. The following week, gradually add back intensity or duration.
This approach is especially important as you age or if you’re juggling other high-stress responsibilities. Listen to your body—pushing harder isn’t always better. Opt for balanced routines that prioritize long-term health over short-term gains.
10. Refresh Your Mind with a Long Walk
A long walk can do wonders for your productivity and mental clarity. Walking, especially in nature, has been shown to reduce stress, improve mood, and even spark creative thinking.
For example, if you’re feeling overwhelmed by a project or stuck on a decision, stepping outside for a 30-minute walk can help you clear your mind and see the problem from a new angle. Whether it’s a park, a quiet neighborhood, or even a city street, the act of moving and observing your surroundings can ground you and refresh your focus.
Even if you can’t find a picturesque route, the simple act of walking provides physical activity, helps you process thoughts, and leaves you feeling more energized to tackle your tasks.
11. Reflect and Reaffirm Your Potential
Here’s a simple but powerful exercise: stand in front of a mirror and take a good look at yourself. This isn’t about vanity—it’s about self-awareness and self-empowerment.
When you look at yourself, what do you see? Take a moment to recognize the strength and resilience you’ve shown to get where you are today. Acknowledge that you’ve overcome challenges before and remind yourself that you’re capable of doing it again.
If you struggle with self-belief, try saying affirmations out loud. For instance, tell yourself, “I am capable. I can handle this. I will succeed.” Repeating these statements, even when you don’t fully believe them, can rewire your mindset over time. Think of it as a pep talk you give yourself whenever you feel unmotivated or stuck.
After practicing this regularly for a few months, you’ll notice a shift in how you approach challenges. Self-doubt will start to fade, replaced by a quiet confidence in your ability to get things done.
12. Add Playfulness to Your Interactions
Engaging in lighthearted flirting or playful banter can be a fun way to energize your day. The thrill of harmless teasing, exchanging compliments, or even joking with someone can trigger a rush of feel-good chemicals like dopamine and endorphins, which boost your mood and motivation.
This doesn’t mean stepping over boundaries or complicating relationships—it’s about keeping things innocent and fun. If you’re married or in a relationship, this might look like playful flirtation with your partner, reminding them (and yourself) of the spark between you. If you’re single, a charming conversation with a colleague or stranger can brighten your day.
For example, compliment someone’s quirky socks or share a witty observation about something in your environment. These small interactions add a layer of joy to your day and can leave you feeling refreshed, connected, and ready to tackle your next task.
13. Moderate Your Caffeine Intake
Caffeine is a great pick-me-up when used wisely, but overdoing it can backfire. A coffee habit that starts with one or two cups can snowball into dependency if you’re not careful. Drinking excessive amounts of caffeine might temporarily mask fatigue, but it can also lead to jitteriness, energy crashes, and disrupted sleep—all of which diminish productivity.
For example, if you find yourself reaching for a fifth cup of coffee just to stay alert, try cutting back gradually. Replace some cups with alternatives like green tea or herbal infusions, which provide a gentler energy boost without the crash.
To optimize caffeine’s effects, aim to consume it during the morning hours and avoid it in the afternoon to protect your sleep quality. Remember, caffeine should support your energy levels, not become the sole thing you rely on to get through the day.
14. Embrace Intimacy as a Stress Reliever
Physical intimacy, like sex, is one of the most natural and effective ways to release endorphins, reduce stress, and improve mood. It doesn’t just strengthen emotional connections with your partner; it also boosts mental clarity and overall well-being.
If you’re in a relationship, prioritize moments of closeness, even during busy weeks. Intimacy can be as simple as cuddling, kissing, or enjoying quality time together—it doesn’t always have to involve sex.
For single individuals, focusing on self-care, meaningful connections, or engaging in activities that make you feel good about yourself can provide similar stress-relieving benefits.
15. Lighten Your Mood with Laughter
When you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed, take a break to watch something funny. Cat videos, stand-up comedy, or blooper reels can provide a much-needed mental reset. Laughter reduces cortisol (the stress hormone), improves focus, and even increases your tolerance for frustration.
For example, set aside five minutes during your lunch break to watch a silly clip or share a funny meme with a friend. The key is finding humor that genuinely makes you laugh—it’s a quick, effective way to boost your mood and recharge for the tasks ahead.
16. Connect Through Genuine Conversations
Human beings thrive on connection. Spending time talking to others, whether friends, family, coworkers, or even strangers, can be a powerful way to lift your spirits and spark creativity. Unlike text messages or emails, face-to-face or voice-to-voice interactions foster deeper emotional engagement.
For example, if you’re feeling isolated at work, take a few minutes to chat with a coworker over coffee. Ask about their weekend, share something interesting you’ve read, or even brainstorm ideas together. If you’re working from home, schedule a phone call or video chat with a friend or family member.
Conversations remind you that you’re not alone and provide fresh perspectives, which can help reignite your energy and motivation. Even small interactions, like chatting with a barista or smiling at a neighbor, can brighten your day and reduce fatigue.
17. Learn to Manage and Release Stress
Feeling constantly tired or unproductive often stems from being overwhelmed by stress. While a little pressure can drive you to perform better, chronic stress depletes energy and clouds focus. To counteract this, actively engage in stress-reducing activities.
Instead of just venting frustrations through retail therapy, explore strategies that address stress at its root—your mind. For instance:
- Meditation: Spend 10–15 minutes focusing on your breathing or using a guided meditation app. This helps calm your mind and improve clarity.
- Yoga: Combine physical movement with mindfulness to reduce tension and build resilience against stress.
- Hobbies: Take up something you love, like painting, gardening, or playing an instrument. These provide a productive escape from daily pressures.
Remember, stress is part of life, but managing it is key to staying energized and productive.
18. Prioritize Rest
In the race to be productive, we often forget that rest is a crucial part of the equation. Pushing yourself too hard without adequate recovery time only leads to burnout, decreased focus, and exhaustion.
Understand that rest isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. Incorporate these practices into your routine:
- Power Naps: A 20–30 minute nap can recharge your brain and body, boosting creativity and alertness.
- Sleep Hygiene: Commit to 7–9 hours of quality sleep each night. Create a bedtime routine by dimming lights, avoiding screens, and winding down with a book or calming music.
- Active Rest: Take short breaks during your workday. Stretch, listen to soothing music, or sit quietly in nature. These moments prevent mental fatigue and improve long-term productivity.
Remember, taking time to rest isn’t slacking—it’s preparation for another productive day.
19. Celebrate Your Wins
Humans are wired to seek rewards, which is why incentives can drive motivation. However, balance is key—don’t let small achievements justify distractions that derail your focus. Instead, implement a system of meaningful rewards that inspire consistent effort.
For example:
- If you’ve completed a challenging task, treat yourself to a favorite snack, a short walk, or even a quick episode of a show.
- After reaching a major milestone, plan something bigger, like dinner with friends or buying something you’ve been saving for.
Rewards can also be tied to long-term goals. For instance, if you stick to your fitness routine for a month, splurge on new workout gear.
But steer clear of harmful or unproductive habits disguised as rewards. Breaking rules or indulging excessively might feel exciting momentarily but could derail progress.
The Journey of Energy and Productivity
At the core of staying productive and energized lies the recognition that it’s a continuous effort, not a one-time fix. While this guide provides many practical strategies, no single method works universally. Personalize your approach based on your needs, habits, and lifestyle.
Now, let’s flip the question: what are your go-to methods for staying energized and focused? Whether it’s something from this guide or your own secret hack, share what works for you—you might inspire someone else to achieve their goals!