Being tired is one thing, resisting it is another. When you put the two together it’s a recipe for feeling worse.
What if feeling tired was OK? It might sound like a radical suggestion, but what if feeling tired could be just that, and not snowball into more and more suffering?
When I feel tired, my brain doesn’t work well and my energy levels go up and down like a yoyo. If I let go of resisting and ask myself what I need to feel better and actually listen and act on what I hear… I can get on with life. If I spiral into negative thoughts and expectations, my experience follows suit.
What is your first thought and subsequent action when you notice you feel tired?
Most people have a default reaction that’s usually something like: judgment (this isn’t good) and resistance (I don’t want to feel this). The effect of this is more tiredness, negativity and stress and less and less sleep.
There is another option. It is saying ‘yes’ or at least ‘ok’ to the tiredness and breathing into it with acceptance and self-care, so you can respond to it in a way that helps it pass with more ease.
How do you usually react to tiredness?
Take a moment to consider how you react to feeling tired… what do you tell yourself, think about, expect and anticipate, what do you do and with what attitude?
Denial is another form of resistance, so maybe you ignore it or pretend it’s not there or maybe it feels so normal that you are numb to it… along with your deeper needs.
The cascading effects of resisting tiredness can look like; thinking the worst, complaining, drinking loads of coffee, overeating (especially sweets) being mean to yourself and others, getting stressed and totally exhausted, not sleeping well and waking up even more tired.
Sound familiar?
You can break the cycle.
By becoming aware of how you habitually react to tiredness, you can choose to improve your relationship with it and maybe even make friends with what has felt like a debilitating enemy. You will be well rewarded.. by feeling better much quicker, getting more done and ultimately being able to wind down and sleep well.
How to make friends with tiredness
- Accept it
When you notice that you feel tired, see if you can soften your response to it. Notice the tendency of your mind to run into the future and make up stories about how difficult everything is going to be, and gently pull it back into the present moment. Say something encouraging and supportive to yourself like “It’s OK… I am just feeling tired right now. - Breathe
Breathing deeply gives you more energy, clarity and peace of mind very quickly. Put one hand on your belly, let your shoulders relax and take 5 deep breaths. - Check in with what you need to feel better
Ask yourself what would help you feel better right now. Maybe it’s a simple as drinking a glass of water, having something to eat or going for a ten-minute walk to clear your head. Listen and respond with care. Tell your inner critic to take a nap… and practice being nice to yourself. - Simplify your schedule as much as possible (ask yourself where you can delegate or re-schedule)
Instead of pushing yourself into exhaustion, take a moment to ask if there is anything you have planned for the day or evening that can be re-scheduled or be delegated. - Eat Well
Low blood sugar causes tiredness and scattered thinking… so eat regular meals. Good quality protein is a fantastic source of energy for both your brain and body. It also reduces cravings for sugar. Make sure you include adequate protein with breakfast and lunch. (This one tip alone has changed the lives of hundreds of my clients by giving them more energy throughout the day). - Plan a relaxing and nurturing evening so you can wind down into quality sleep
As you look ahead into the evening, plan to wind down early and take care of yourself so you get a good nights’ sleep and wake up feeling more revitalised tomorrow.Anna
