You can’t do everything at once.
Even though it might help to create a list of things you need to accomplish this week, dwelling on all those tasks might feel overwhelming. You need to take your responsibilities one step at a time. After all, you can’t do multiple things at once. Multitasking might make you feel like you’re saving time, but it will only create more work in the long run. You need to put your complete attention on each task so you don’t mess up and get forced to redo what you’ve already finished. Even though it’s hard, try your hardest to live in the moment. Focus on the one task in front of you right now, then worry about the rest when the time comes.
Failing to accomplish every single task isn’t the end of the world.
Remember, the stakes might not be as high as they feel. If you don’t have the time to call your parents or go out drinking with your friends today, they probably won’t hold it against you when you ask for a raincheck. If you’re behind on a project you’ve been working hard on, your boss probably won’t fire you when you ask for an extension. You’re probably being harder on yourself than you need to be. You’re expecting yourself to do it all – which is impossible. You can’t say yes to everything. You can’t carry the whole world on your shoulders.
Taking a rest is more productive than working through your exhaustion.
When you’re running on fumes, you aren’t going to be doing your best work or acting like your best self. It’s much better for you to get some rest and come back in the morning refreshed. You have to stop thinking of resting as a lazy activity. Your body literally needs sleep in order to function. Your mind needs peace in order to refuel. You aren’t a failure for resting when you have a moment to yourself. You’re doing what needs to be done to set yourself up for a productive day tomorrow.
With that in mind, productivity isn’t everything.
As much as you want to impress your colleagues and make your parents proud, there are more important things in life than your productivity. Like your mental health. You don’t want to sacrifice your happiness in the name of your career. If you haven’t been yourself lately, you need to take a look at your schedule and see what should change. Rearrange your priorities. Try to find a healthier balance that will keep your mind and body healthy.
It’s not your fault for feeling so tired all the time.
Don’t blame yourself for having a hard time making it through the year. It’s not easy to put yourself first–especially since you need money in order to pay the rent and put food on the table. You can’t quit your job without another lined up. You can’t take three weeks off to recharge your batteries. But sometimes, little changes can save you. Maybe you can turn off your email notifications at night when you’re supposed to spend time with your family. Maybe you can do something relaxing during your lunch break. Maybe you can be more mindful of what you need to feel fulfilled and start brainstorming ways to make that a reality.
