Trying to focus when you’re tired? Here are some tips to improve your focus and boost productivity when you’re exhausted.

We can’t stress enough that getting enough sleep is incredibly important. Yet, even after knowing this, it can be hard to follow through.

When something is bugging you, it’s easy to get distracted and lose sleep, no matter if you have the most relaxing, sleep-inducing bedroom. Moreover, there will always be those days when you just feel drained out all of a sudden, whether it’s because of work, school, personal relations, or just life in general.

During those times, you may feel helpless, but we’re here to change that. In this article, we will be giving you some tips on how you can reclaim your focus while your brain and body say otherwise. But before that, let’s first cover a couple of things.

How To Focus When Tired: 6 Tips To Stay Productive When You’re Exhausted

What is brain fog?

Was there ever a time where you totally spaced out or lost your train of thought while you’re in the midst of a conversation or doing a task? You’ve lost concentration and you felt like you’re in slow motion while the world is moving at a faster pace.

If so, then you’ve experienced brain fog. In a nutshell, brain fog means mental fatigue where it’s difficult to focus. This sensation makes you devoid of mental clarity, which can impact your school or work performance.

Why can’t I focus when I’m tired?

When you’re tired, the brain reacts negatively making it hard for you to remember things and causing your thoughts to become sluggish. According to studies, sleep deprivation greatly weakens learning and memory.

In other words, when you lack sleep, your attention falls apart. It’s important to note, however, that sleep needs vary. For instance, most adults function best when they get 7 to 9 hours of sleep every night.

Insufficient sleep can also cause your cortisol levels to increase, which is the body’s main stress hormone. And when you’re stressed on top of being sleep-deprived, you’re bound to get exhausted.

6 Tips to focus when you’re tired

Whether it’s because you’ve had a movie marathon, stayed late at night catching up with your friends, or just went to bed very late because you had difficulty sleeping, every one of us at some point has felt incredibly tired. Well, good news is that you aren’t alone.

It may seem impossible to find focus when you’re out of sorts, but mind you, there are ways you can do to get out of that fatigue zone. Until you can go back to having a good night’s sleep, here are some hacks to get through the day for the meantime.

1. Move your body

Slumping becomes second-nature when you’re just sitting or lying on your bed. Some little movements can make you feel lethargic, causing you to shake some sense into the various parts of your body.

Walk around or take a quick jog around your block until your heart is pumped. This way, your brain gets some much-needed oxygen, producing endorphins and giving you an energy boost. It may sound counterintuitive, but for real, it’ll be worth it.

2. Finish the easy tasks first

If you’re extremely drained but must get some tasks done, go for the easiest things on your to-do list. It could be answering emails or arranging your files.

Give yourself ample time to take a break from the difficult parts of work or school. Slow-paced days can help you recharge and get back your focus. Acknowledge what your body is feeling.

There’s nothing wrong with catching a break from time to time. Just don’t be too dependent on taking it easy. Instead, be proactive and tell yourself that it’s okay to feel tired today, but you will make sure to wake yourself up after it.

3. Get a good laugh

Maybe the only thing you need is a good laugh. Go talk with your best friend or anyone that can make you laugh like crazy. Surrounding yourself with people like these helps you take a step back and reorganize your thoughts.

A quick break in the form of a good laugh is never not helpful. Plus, according to experts, laughing can have a positive effect on your body and brain. Cool, isn’t it?

4. Turn the music up

Music has always been a huge help for many. Personally speaking, I work while listening to my favorite songs. Whether your cup of tea is instrumental music, country songs, or even rock, go for it so long as it doesn’t take your mind off the task at hand.

Jolly songs can inject more energy. On the contrary, ballad or emo music may not help at times like this. There are so-called “focus” songs on YouTube you can try. That said, sometimes, it’s also a matter of personal preference.

5. Get some fresh air

Go outside, feel the air, and let your skin soak some sunshine. Sunlight has amazing benefits for the body.

Aside from increasing your vitamin D levels, it can also help fight off fatigue. What’s more, it helps regulate your circadian rhythm, which comes very handy for people who have trouble falling asleep.

Suffice it to say, getting some sun will wake you up and increase your chances of having a good snooze later. In the long run, this could solve the sleep problems that have been plaguing you every night.

6. Doze off for a few minutes

Nope, hold your thoughts right there. I know, napping may seem like it’ll only make you feel more tired, but it actually works. Noticed how kids get an instant energy boost after a nap?

That’s how it works with adults too. Even if you have a deadline to catch, sneaking in a little bit of sleep can make a difference.

Say, 25 minutes is enough to give you more energy than what loud music and a cup of your favorite coffee can. It’s normal to feel groggy afterward, but just don’t give in the urge to go back to sleep. Push yourself to wake up, maybe, by splashing some cold water. Give it a few minutes, and you’ll be feeling refreshed.

Being hard on yourself at moments like these won’t help at all. Instead, a little self-kindness can go a long way. Remember that everyone gets tired and loses focus. It’s nothing to beat yourself up with. With those tips above, hopefully, you can learn to find focus even when you’re worn out. You’ve got this!

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