In another post, I’ll discuss my autoimmune and health journey, including my dx of narcolepsy, but for now, here’s some of my tips for dealing with fatigue! Also, if you don’t know what narcolepsy is, it is a rare sleep disorder that dysregulates your sleep cycles, and creates excessive daytime sleepiness.
Routines
Routines are everything when it comes to productivity and success. They give us structure and stability, which is especially important on days when we wake up feeling too tired to function. Personally, I’ve found that going to bed at the same time every night has done wonders for me. It helps me fall asleep faster and wake up feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the day ahead.
Naps
But what about those moments when even a good night’s sleep isn’t enough? That’s where naps come in. I am a firm believer in the power of naps. Even just a 15-minute power nap can make a world of difference in the rest of your day. It’s like hitting the reset button on your brain and body. So, if you find yourself struggling to stay awake or focus, don’t hesitate to take a quick nap. Trust me, your future self will thank you.
Fall-back plan
Of course, we can’t always rely on naps to get us through the day. That’s why having a plan is crucial, especially on low-energy days. I personally like to have a plan written out for both ideal days and low-energy days. This way, I know exactly what I need to do and can adjust my expectations accordingly. It’s important to remember that not every day will be perfect, but having a framework in place for those tough days can make all the difference.
Grace
Finally, I want to emphasize the importance of giving yourself grace. We’re only human, after all, and we can’t expect ourselves to be machines. There will be times when we feel overwhelmed, exhausted, or unmotivated, and that’s okay. In fact, it’s natural. The key is to recognize when we need a break and to be kind to ourselves when we take one. Ebbs and flows are a part of life, and giving yourself grace during the ebbs can help you emerge stronger and more resilient than ever before.
Conclusion
So, to sum it up: routines, naps, plans, and grace. These are the key ingredients to staying productive and balanced, even on the toughest of days. By incorporating these strategies into your daily routine, you’ll be well-equipped to handle whatever life throws your way.