Sometimes do you get home from work and think (with a huge sigh) oh I must do this or I should do that but I am just too tired!

A colleague lent me a book to read which has some great tips in it - common sense really, but the type of thing we tend to easily forget.

"From Tired to Inspired" by Debra Waterhouse - 8 energizing ways to overcome female fatigue.

Yes it does say female fatigue; however I feel many of the tips are relevant for both women and men.

The tip I wanted to share is "think small and your rewards will be great".

To follow are some excuses that you may hear yourself saying and an example of how you can break through: 

Excuse 1 - I really must go to the gym but it means pre-preparing dinner, getting changed, driving to the gym, I am tired before I even start my work out.

Remedy - put on your trainers and go for a short 10 minute walk around the block.  You may find you even walk a little further than you intended. 

Excuse 2 - I really should have dinner with Susan and Bob but we can never coordinate our diaries.

Remedy - pick up the telephone and chat with them for how ever long you have available, even if it is only 5 minutes. 

Remedy - connect by email during the day and arrange that you both prepare your dinner at your respective homes and then call at a certain time to chat while eating dinner.  You may not be in the same room together but at least you have spent time with a special friend.

Excuse 3 - I really need a massage, the tension in my shoulders is giving me a headache.

Remedy - take 2 minutes to sit quietly where ever you are (at work, in the car, on the couch or in the park), correct your posture so your body feels in alignment.  Then take 3 or 4 deep breaths, from the pit of your belly to inflating your chest.  Allow the oxygen to flow through your muscles and focus on relieving the tense muscles.

Excuse 4 - I really need to get out and walk in the park or go for a hike but the Minister's office want this PQ completed by Monday morning.

Remedy - create an environment at work that reflects what motivates you.  So if you enjoy being surrounded by nature have a healthy vibrant plant on your desk.  To get in a quick walk - on your way to filling up your glass with water step into the stairwell and walk down 2 flights of stairs and then back up again.

So next time you feel overwhelmed and exhausted, take a minute to think about how you can do something small to change that.  Our goals are achieved by taking one step at a time not leaping over walls.

Please note this article is a mix of text from Debra Waterhouse's book "From Tired to Inspired" and my own thoughts.

Tracy