At one point or another, we all burn out or start feeling drained. It’s not uncommon to think that taking a break and lounging on the couch for a few days will leave you feeling recharged. However, what you may not know is that physical fatigue can have more to do with feeling mentally exhausted than the exercise you’re getting that day. Moreover, being a couch potato could actually result in you feeling more mentally drained. If you’re feeling mentally exhausted, here are some effective ways to recharge your mind:

Change up Your Routine

As Paulo Coelho said, “If you think adventure is dangerous, try routine; it is lethal.” Falling into a routine can be easy, but breaking up that routine can be a really good way to stop feeling mentally exhausted. Challenge yourself to do something entirely new at least once a week. If you’re feeling enthusiastic, try doing something new every day. It can be something as simple as taking a different route to work that may be more scenic. Think of activities that make you feel good and feed your soul, and start doing them. When your mind is opened to new ways of thinking and perceiving, you tend to be much happier and less mentally exhausted overall.

Keep a Journal

Keeping a journal is a great way to relieve stress and get it all out on paper. Not only does it release your thoughts and feelings, but it can also be helpful down the road because it gives you the opportunity to look back and reflect on the progress you’ve made in your life, even during times when you were feeling mentally exhausted. Jotting down your thoughts and feelings also boosts your creativity, builds confidence, enhances comprehension, and encourages you to follow through with your goals. It’s important to note that journaling shouldn’t be something that makes you put pressure on yourself. You don’t need to have an entry for every day. Write down whatever comes to your mind, and you’ll feel such a release when you’ve finished. Make it a priority to write in your journal a few times a week. Eventually, you’ll find writing to be an outlet for recharging your brain and avoiding feeling drained.

Meditate

Mediation is a topic that’s been widely talked about and praised. Roughly 80% of doctor visits are for stress-related issues. A lot of money and time can be saved if you learn to practice self-care through meditation. It can reduce stress, boost immunity, improve sleep, and perhaps, increase happiness. Meditating just five minutes a day can make all the difference. Over time, you may find that meditating more than once a day for longer periods of time is even more beneficial for your mental well-being. People who consistently meditate are usually more rational and feel less anxiety when they are confronted with challenges. Obviously, this means it’s a great technique to avoid feeling mentally exhausted.

Re-evaluate Your Relationships

Having relationships is essential, but it’s also important to assess the healthiness of those relationships. You may find that there are a few toxic relationships in your life that contribute to your mental exhaustion. It may be hard to end these relationships because you have grown to be comfortable in them. Unfortunately, dysfunctional relationships may have become a normal part of life, and you may not realize how mentally exhausting they can be. Take time to be mindful of all your relationships, and decide whether they are adding value to your life and well-being. In toxic romantic relationships, you can become mentally drained when you’re putting energy into something that just may not be right. Being mindful of your relationships is crucial. It typically leads to being more confident in your own judgment, ultimately helping you avoid feeling mentally exhausted.

Get Some Exercise

Exercise isn’t just beneficial for your overall well-being and weight loss; it’s also helpful for when you’re feeling mentally drained. You don’t need to get a gym membership to get active. We’re all busy, but setting aside just 30 minutes a day for physical activity can make all the difference. Multiple studies show that exercise can increase your concentration, boost your mental focus, increase blood flow to the brain, improve your mood and memory, and make it easier to fall asleep.

Ditch Your Ego

Be mindful of your soul and do what makes you happy. This can get confused with doing something that brings you a sense of achievement. However, that sense of achievement may not always necessarily bring you joy. Spending a few extra hours at work to get things done can be productive, but powering through can ultimately cause you to feel mentally exhausted. Allow yourself to buy the shoes you’ve been wanting to buy for weeks, or take a spontaneous weekend trip with friends or your significant other. Our time on earth really is short. Whatever it may be that you choose to do, do it because it truly brings genuine joy to your soul.

The Bottom Line

While lying in bed for days on end may feel like the perfect solution when you’re feeling tired and mentally exhausted, it may not be the most effective way to get back on your feet and improve your mental health. Try some of the above solutions and find what works best for you and your unique situation.