Feeling mentally drained in the middle of the day?
I’ve noticed that about 90 minutes into any cognitive task—especially those tedious ones like CPA studying or auditing invoices—I hit a strange mental wall. It’s not even fatigue; it feels like my brain just goes numb. Overloaded. Worn out. And yet, I haven’t done anything particularly difficult. Just spent too much time in Excel.
It’s the kind of discomfort that makes you want to escape your own body. Strangely enough, if I push through it, that “fried” feeling often subsides. I encounter this brain fog every. single. day. And the only way to break free is through a dose of dopamine from coffee or a much-needed lunch break.
Then there’s my seniors, functioning like productivity machines around the clock. I can’t tell if it’s a Gen Z thing or just my own softness—but let me tell you, lunch and coffee are my lifelines. I honestly have no clue how people at Big 4 firms manage to grind from 1 to 7 without any breaks.
The level of endurance they have is mind-blowing to me.
Is it possible to build that kind of stamina?
One response
You’re definitely not alone in feeling that midday brain fog! It can be really tough when the mind feels fried after just a couple of hours of focused work. It’s great that you’ve identified your breaking point and have a strategy to push through!
Building your mental endurance is definitely possible, but it takes a bit of practice and experimentation. Here are a few tips you might find helpful:
Pace Yourself: Try breaking your work into smaller, manageable chunks while giving yourself short breaks in between (like the Pomodoro technique—25 minutes of focused work followed by a 5-minute break).
Mindfulness and Breathing Exercises: Incorporating some mindfulness or even simple deep-breathing exercises can help reset your focus and refresh your mind.
Physical Movement: A quick walk or some stretches can do wonders for your energy levels and mental clarity. Getting your blood flowing can help shake off that “fried” feeling.
Nutrition and Hydration: Staying hydrated and eating small, healthy snacks throughout the day can sustain your energy levels. Brain fuel is just as important as physical fuel!
Gradual Exposure: If you want to build your endurance, try gradually increasing the duration of your focused work sessions over time. Start with what feels comfortable and slowly extend the time as you get used to it.
Find Your Flow: Experiment with different times of day to see when you feel most productive. Maybe you’re just not a midday worker!
Remember, everyone has their limits, and it’s perfectly fine to take breaks and recharge. Comparing yourself to others can be tempting, especially in high-pressure environments like the Big 4, but finding what works for you is key. It’s all about balance and sustainability! Good luck, and don’t hesitate to lean on those caffeine and lunch breaks when you need them!