Ever catch yourself thinking, “Why am I always so tired?” You’re certainly not alone! If your energy tanks the moment you clock off and you find yourself glued to the couch at home, perhaps endlessly scrolling, you’re definitely not alone.
I wonder – Have you ever paused to consider that your exhaustion might not just be physical?
At work, every single day we’re bombarded with countless touchpoints – meetings, phone calls, notifications, Teams messages, emails, background noise, Zoom calls and interruptions from coworkers. Your brain is constantly switching tasks, making micro-decisions, and juggling distractions, even without you realizing it.
Seems weird, I know, however this mental load is more draining than many physical tasks because our brains just aren’t built for constant multitasking. Psychologist Carly Dober refers to this phenomenon as cognitive fatigue – essentially, your brain becomes overloaded by continuous cognitive demands, resulting in diminished productivity and heightened stress levels.
Cognitive fatigue is real! And when you get home you are exhausted.
Photo credit: Chris Lynch – Unsplash
Leadership isn’t just about managing teams or tasks – it’s about managing your own energy. Sitting for hours, especially in back-to-back meetings, doesn’t just tire your mind; it also exhausts your body. Sedentary workdays are notorious for zapping your energy levels and leaving you feeling wiped out.
So, how do you recharge?
Start small: schedule one or two short walks during your day. Even 10 minutes away from the screen can restore your mental clarity and refresh your body. Prioritize healthy snacks and plenty of water throughout your workday – it’s incredible how proper hydration and nutrition can boost your energy and focus.
Begin noticing which touchpoints drain your energy the most. Is it certain types of meetings? Constant notifications from Teams? Too many interruptions from others? Work out what these are and talk to your team about ways to streamline communication. You may find that they are just as drained by the same thing.
Reflect on these things: Fewer messages mean clearer thinking for everyone. How did you handle communication effectively before the era of Zoom and Teams? Can some interactions be simplified or consolidated? Once you have decided, implement and stick with the change.
Lastly, do something enjoyable outside of work regularly, ideally in natural light as early as possible each day. Simple pleasures like morning walks or enjoying outdoor activities can dramatically improve your mood and energy levels. The key word here is “Simple” so leave your phone at home. If you’re struggling with chronic tiredness or need more ideas on how to regain your spark, let’s connect! I’d love to chat about simple strategies to bring more Harmony into your busy life.