1. Adjust Your Schedule
Help yourself out by arranging to start your day an hour later, if possible, and end it an hour earlier. This will allow you a little extra time to sleep in the morning and will ensure you're "off the clock" before you wear yourself out at the end of the day. If you're suffering from extreme fatigue, discuss this possibility with your employer, and get a doctor's note to back you up, if possible.
2. Take a Daily Nap
Napping for just 20 minutes each afternoon can give you the energy you need to keep going through the rest of your day. If you can, find a quiet place without too much sun and lay down there. Bring a pillow or blanket if there is no sofa or chair available to you. Set your watch or cell-phone alarm for 20 minutes from the time you lay down, then do your best to relax. Even if you don't feel tired enough to sleep or don't completely fall asleep, the downtime will help re-energize you and make you feel better. Let your family or co-workers know what you're doing and why, so that they do not disturb you during your nap time.
3. Get Enough Exercise
When you're very fatigued, you probably don't feel much like exercising. However, getting a moderate amount of exercise each day can help increase your energy levels and give you more stamina. You don't have to go overboard with an intense workout. A little exercise goes a long way when you're fatigued. A brisk 20-minute walk, dancing to one or two of your favorite songs or 15 minutes of gentle stretching or yoga each day is enough to increase your alertness and vitality.
4. Make Sure You Eat Right
The way you eat can affect your energy. Eat your heaviest meal first thing in the morning. A protein-rich breakfast will give you lasting energy and keep you from getting too hungry before lunch. Make sure you keep your lunch light, as too much food in the middle of the day can actually make you tired. If you get hungry in the afternoon, reach for energy-boosting snacks, such as a piece of cheese, a handful of nuts or some fresh fruit and whole-grain crackers.
