How To Focus When You're Completely Exhausted By Doing These 7 Simple Things

Anecdotally, this trick is often passed around, and it is a personal favorite of mine. Milana Perepyolkina, author of Gypsy Energy Secrets, is a proponent, too: "Pour some very cold water into a bucket, and step in it for a few seconds, or open the faucet with cold water and keep your hands under water for a few seconds. Splash some of that water on your face!"

After you're done, you'll feel refreshed, focused, and energized, she tells Elite Daily.

According to Dr. Josh Axe, D.N.M., C.N.S., D.C., founder of Ancient Nutrition and DrAxe.com, when you’re feeling exhausted, fatigued or stressed, adaptogenic herbs, including things like ashwagandha, rhodiola, holy basil, licorice root, and ginseng, can help boost your energy levels.

"These healing plants balance and restore the body’s natural ability to handle stress by regulating the adrenal system, which is responsible for controlling the way hormones respond to stress," Dr. Axe tells Elite Daily. "Adaptogens don’t target a specific body part; instead, they help your entire body gently cope with stress, anxiety and, of course, fatigue."

Sounds like it's worth a shot, right?

New York-based therapist Julia Colangelo, LCSW says a little movement can be great when you feel lethargic. "Movement will cause you to wake up different parts of your body," she tells Elite Daily. "This can be thought of as mindful movement when you're able to be in the present moment, notice the sensation of being tired, and focus on the activity at hand."

Even a quick jog around the block can do the trick to get your heart pumping, send some much-needed oxygen to the brain, and provide a rush of endorphins for a fast energy boost, according to Everyday Health. I know it may feel like the last thing you want to do, but seriously, it'll be worth it.

OK, so if you are super exhausted right now, try to stick with some of the more simple tasks you have to get done, like organizing your desk or answering emails. Maybe today isn't the day to tackle the most difficult parts of a project.

Remember, it's totally OK to let yourself go at a slower pace some days. "Acknowledge your sleepiness," Colangelo explains, "and don't shame yourself for feeling this way. Be proactive and say, 'I know I am tired, I'm not sure why, and I am going to wake myself up now with some deep breathing exercises.'"

Take a break for a second, my friend, and go find the funniest person around you, or even text your BFF real quick so you two can share a couple memes back and forth.

A good laugh and a quick break will undoubtedly put some pep back in your step. As Dr. Lee Berk, an associate professor at Loma Linda University in California, told TIME, laughing can have a positive "ripple" effect for both your brain and your body.

Chris Brantner, a certified sleep science coach at SleepZoo.com, says that getting outside for a moment is key to waking yourself up.

"The sun is crucial for signaling your body that it's time to wake up and get moving," he tells Elite Daily. "And not only does the sun energize you, but it also helps regulate your circadian rhythm." The more you can expose yourself to sunlight, Brantner says, the more awake you'll feel, and you'll also have a better ability to reset your sleep cycle to guarantee a good snooze later on, which will hopefully stop your sleepy struggles from ruining your productivity in the long run.

Colangelo says breathing is always a surefire way to help you maintain your focus.

"Take profound, deep breaths," she explains. "Inhale through your nose, and exhale through your mouth. Count to five or 10, and notice how this will relax you, but likely wake you up as your awareness to the breath shifts."

You've got this, girl.