6 Ways To Fight Fatigue On National Workaholics Day (And this goes for you Job Seekers, too!)

Thursday is #NationalWorkaholicsDay, and we’re going to let you in on a little secret: You don’t have to be employed to be considered a “workaholic.”

Workaholics come in all shapes and sizes. From the boardroom to the home playroom, into the classroom and back to the full-time job search, being a “workaholic” in any space is bound to lead you down the path of exhaustion. Use these six great tips to fight fatigue to achieve your personal (and professional) goals!

1. Get 7-9 Hours Of Sleep

Did you know that the National Sleep Foundation recommends 7-9 hours of sleep per night? If you’re rolling your eyes at the computer right now, take a moment to consider the facts: Scientifically, sleep is about so much more than rest for your mind and body. While you’re sleeping, your body continues to work hard to rebuild muscle, clean away harmful waste that is produced in the brain, and regulate emotions, appetite control, your immune system and metabolic functions. 7-9 hours of sleep will ensure that these vital processes have the time they need to keep your mind and body functioning properly.

2. Take Breaks

Whether you are drowning in reports or scanning through hundreds of employment ads, be sure to reward yourself with breaks… even short ones. Short breaks will allow you to “recharge your batteries,” disengage from the stresses of the day, boost your attention deficits, and improve your overall daily performance.

3. Don't Skip Lunch

Forget the excuse that you’re “too busy” to take a lunch break because the fact of the matter is: You can’t afford not to. Taking a lunch break gives your mind time to rest and refocus, improving your productivity and concentration throughout the afternoon. This break is especially important for those who work in a stationary position at a computer for most of the day. This type of work can place a heavy strain on your body and eyes. A good, healthy lunch will not only provide you with a break from this strain, but give your body the energy it needs to finish out the day! (Note: This “lunch break” we’re talking about does not involve you munching at your desk.)

4. Engage In Regular Exercise

Exercising regularly has been known to increase energy levels and reduce fatigue. It may make you a bit more tired and sore at first, but after your body gets used to a new fitness routine, the fatigue you are currently feeling will begin to melt away. From cycling and strength training, to evening runs or morning yoga, you will find that a solid fitness routine will make getting out of bed in the morning less difficult, make the workday pass by without need for a midday caffeine fix, and make you much more alert and available to family and friends in the evenings and on the weekends.

5. Take Vacations

Everyone needs a vacation from time to time. It’s nothing to feel guilty about. Vacations reduce stress and improve productivity when you return. Believe it or not, there are experts out there who will argue that the brain cell recharging a vacation can provide may even make you more creative. But all of this aside: Taking a vacation provides you with much needed family time. Splash around with the kids. Have a romantic dinner with your significant other. Read a book (and we’re not talking about the professional development kind). No matter what you do on vacation, know that you have been giving a lot of yourself to your work or your job search and you deserve this!

6. Make Healthy Food Choices

Eating well-balanced meals is not only beneficial to supporting a sense of positive overall well-being, but it is proven to fight off fatigue. Why is this important? Well, let’s face it: Exhaustion doesn’t look good on anyone. The good news is, we can fight it off with options like bananas, almonds, oatmeal, chia seeds, green tea, and beans. Try to stay away from white bread, honey, energy drinks, candy, and chips. Most importantly, be sure to stay hydrated. When fighting fatigue, water is your best friend! Just a few small changes to your diet can give you a natural boost that will change your life!

​Story by Kellie Gunn