How To Keep Going When All You Want to Do Is Sleep

You would agree with me that life sometimes feels like one long fight against the nap monster. You sit down to answer emails, and suddenly your eyelids are staging a protest. You have a deadline, but your bed is calling your name louder than your boss.

We’ve all been there, staring blankly at our laptops, fantasizing about curling up under the covers and ignoring life. But the truth is, sometimes the only thing standing between you and greatness is a nap. Life doesn’t pause for your siesta fantasies. Deadlines loom, responsibilities pile up. So how do you push through when your body is screaming for rest? Here are 5 ways to keep going when all you want to do is nap.

ALSO READ; 6 Ways To Survive Your First Job (Without Crying)

Power Up 

Ah, caffeine, the unofficial sponsor of adulthood. A cup of coffee or green tea can be a lifesaver when fatigue strikes. But beware: too much and you’ll end up jittery, anxious, and unable to sleep later. Here are smart ways to ensure you are taking caffeine right.

• Time it right. Have caffeine before 2 p.m. so you don’t wreck your night’s sleep.
  
• Switch it up. Try green tea, matcha, or even dark chocolate for a gentler energy boost.
  
• Stay hydrated. Sometimes, “I’m sleepy” is really just “I’m dehydrated.” Drink water before reaching for that third coffee.

Move Your Body

Sometimes your body isn’t really tired, it’s just stagnant. Movement gets your blood flowing and wakes you up. Start a 3-minute dance party or maybe just walk.

• Why it works: Movement increases blood flow, releases endorphins, and tricks your brain into thinking you’re ready to conquer the world.
• Blast your favorite hype song (Burna Boy, Beyoncé, or even some guilty-pleasure 2000s pop), and just go off. Wiggle, Azonto, jump, whatever gets your heart rate up.

• Stretch for 5 minutes. Touch your toes, roll your shoulders, or do a quick yoga flow.
• Take a brisk walk. Even a walk around the block or office floor can reset your energy.

Get Some Sunlight

Your body’s internal clock aka your circadian rhythm, is deeply influenced by light. If you’re stuck in a dim room, your brain thinks it’s bedtime. Natural light boosts alertness, mood, and even cognitive performance. Do these simple things;

• Open the curtains wide.
• Step outside for 5 minutes of sun.
• Use a daylight lamp if you’re indoors all day.

Trick Your Brain with Micro-Breaks

When your brain says “Nap,” sometimes it’s just asking for a pause. Instead of giving in fully, take micro-breaks that refresh your energy. Napping isn’t the only way to rest. Switching tasks can recharge your brain almost as well. These ideas could also work;

• The Pomodoro Technique: Work for 25 minutes, rest for 5. Repeat.
• Change your scenery. Move to another room, stand by the window, or even sit on the floor.
• Do something unrelated for 10 minutes, wash dishes, doodle, scroll memes guilt-free then get back to it.

Listen, But Don’t Always Obey

Wanting to nap doesn’t make you lazy, it makes you human. But when responsibilities won’t let you snooze, these small hacks can help you push through without collapsing.

Here’s the balance:

• Sometimes, the nap is actually what your body needs, so if you can, take it.
• Other times, you just need water, movement, and a playlist.

Either way, remember that we all hit walls. The trick isn’t to bulldoze through them, it’s to find clever ways around. Whether you’re a student, a parent, a 9-to-5 warrior, or just someone trying to survive the day, remember: fatigue doesn’t define your worth.

So next time your eyelids start staging a protest, try one of these tricks. And if all else fails… maybe that nap isn’t such a bad idea after all. Just set an alarm, okay? Join the Stay Motivated Daily community on Fusion to meet people who motivate each other every day.