It’s actually pretty normal to be tired at the end of the day, according to “A Healthier Michigan”. Continue reading to learn why!

Your sleep-wake cycle: If you have a well-functioning circadian rhythm, you will naturally get tired at the end of the day as melatonin is produced due to the cues from your surroundings that night is coming. However, other cues from your day can also tire your brain before night comes.

Cognitive overload: When a day is filled with a lot of concentration, often times our brains can get tired after multiple hours of focus. Studies show this can cause impulsive decisions later in the day, or we will put off other tasks that may be harder to complete. This is a way our brains try to self-preserve and can be a signal we need more-self care.

Importance of Taking Breaks: A way to avoid fatigue throughout the day is to make sure that you take breaks – especially from stressful activities. Here are some examples of short breaks you can take during your day: scroll through social media, go for a walk, make yourself a snack, or cuddle with a pet.

Mindfulness: Another way to give your mind a break is to practice mindfulness. This looks different for everyone, but here are some tips to start: find a quiet place, get into a comfortable position, remove distractions (such as your phone), and focus on your breathing and body movements. This can be 30 seconds or 10 minutes, just make sure your brain has enough time to shut off and reset before you get back to work.

To read the full article, click here. Article written on August 24, 2022 by A Healthier Michigan. Courtesy of Bambu by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.