Consider that your tired brain needs the fuel of calm to reset—not the fire of overwork, which spirals into panic.
If you get tired, learn to rest, not to quit.
—Banksy
The moment Elise popped onto my Zoom screen, I could see and feel her fear.
The light in her design studio was dim, but I still noticed that the long work table behind her was filled with samples, fabrics, and a pile of file folders.
She twisted and pushed an auburn curl to the top of her head and waved at me with both hands. She pulled the giant, square lapis and gold ring from her right hand, placed it next to her on the desktop, and exhaled.
Usually chatty and warm, Elise cut right to the chase. “My designs are due in 23 days, and I’m in a total panic,” she said. “I have maybe four, five tops that I can show. I need at least two dozen more! And how do I do that with a broken brain?!”
“What is your energy level right now?” I asked.
“Nonexistent,” she said.
“And how long has that been the case?” I asked.
“About four months,” she said. “At least six weeks before I began this project.”
“I have great news,” I said. “Your brain isn’t broken, it’s just tired.”
When our brains feel foggy, sluggish, and resistant to even the smallest actions, this is our signal to pause, not push. When we push from this energetic state, we can ignite a firestorm of panic that compounds our anxiety, sending us into a spiral of shame and self-criticism.
The animal of our inspired creativity cowers and shivers in the corner, closed off from us, refusing to budge.
When our tired brains are in this state, we don’t need a magic elixir. We simply need rest.
Give Your Tired Brain What It Needs
When our minds are drained, it’s not the time to knuckle down and force more work (which is what we tend to instinctively believe is true). Instead, it is the time to get strategic about our energy.
Here’s what to do when your brain is tired but life keeps asking you to show up:
1. Shrink the game. Immediately.
Tired brains panic when they see everything at once. Instead of trying to plan your whole day, ask: “What’s the one thing I can do right now that’s easy, helpful, and light?”
Maybe it’s replying to one email. Maybe it’s a five-minute brain dump onto the pages of your journal. Maybe it’s stepping outside to reset your nervous system.
Small wins rebuild momentum. Don’t focus on achieving a breakthrough, just a foothold.
2. Stop solving big problems in low-energy states.
We make our worst decisions when we’re depleted and desperate for clarity. So make this a rule: “If my energy is not at least at a 7/10, I don’t try to resolve this issue now.”
3. Give your brain what it’s really asking for.
Tired brains don’t want more caffeine or screen time. They want oxygen, silence, and rhythm.
Try:
- A walk with only your journal and a pencil in your pocket (no phone)
- 5 minutes of stillness in a dark room
- A “nonproductive” break (flip through a favorite magazine, lie on the floor and listen to your go-to playlist, or stare out the window and daydream)
And…
Consider joining us at the Holistic Business Summit, which kicks off on Monday, May 5th.
This is a free, virtual event where 10 experts (including me!) are sharing powerful insights to help you grow your business in a way that feels aligned, not overwhelming.
Get Your Free Ticket Here
You’ll learn…
- Ways to tap into your creativity to hit your goals faster
- How to shift your mindset to overcome Imposter Syndrome once and for all
- Strategies for avoiding burnout even during the busiest of seasons
- I’d love for you to join us. If you’re craving clarity and fresh inspiration, this summit is for you.
Let’s help our tired brains get out of panic and into the bouncy freshness of inspired, creative energy.
