Recharge & Rise [5 Simple Ways to Boost Energy After Work]

If you’re like most people, your energy drops after a long workday.

And let’s face it—when the workday ends, our motivation to dive into personal projects or tasks is usually at an all-time low.

But if you’ve got big dreams and goals you’re chasing outside of work, you may need a strategy to stay productive even when you're tired.

Today, I’m sharing some techniques that help me stay motivated and get things done after hours.

1. Set Clear Post-Work Intentions

Getting things done after work starts before the workday even ends. Set clear intentions on what you’ll accomplish after clocking out, rather than leaving it up in the air. Here’s how to do it:

• Decide on tasks ahead of time: Identify what you’ll focus on after work. Will it be a personal project, or maybe a workout?

• Adjust based on your day: If your workday was light, add more to your post-work to-do list. If it was demanding, focus on just one critical task.

Switch your mindset:

• Instead of thinking, “I can’t get anything done after a busy day,” try reframing to, “I just need to accomplish this one task, and then I can relax.”

When you set an intention and make it manageable, it’s much easier to follow through.

2. Use Implementation Intentions

Research shows that being specific about when, where, and how you’ll complete a task boosts your odds of actually doing it. This is where implementation intentions come in.

• What will you do? Define the exact task.

• Where will you do it? Pick a consistent place that signals productivity, like your desk.

• When will you do it? Set a precise time.

For example:

• Instead of saying, “I’ll draft a proposal after work,” try: “I’ll draft a proposal at my desk at 8 PM.” The specifics make it feel more concrete and doable.

3. Restore Your Energy

Sometimes, a short recharge session is all you need to spark motivation. Taking time for a simple, energizing ritual can give you the boost you need to power through a post-work task.

Here are a few ideas:

• Quick nap: A 15-20 minute nap can do wonders.

• Hot shower: Refreshes and signals the end of the workday.

• Healthy snack: Take something light but nourishing, like a handful of almonds or a smoothie.

This isn’t about trying to override your tiredness; it’s about giving your mind and body the support they need to reset.

Shift your language:

• Instead of, “I don’t have the energy to do anything,” try, “I’ll go for a 15-minute walk in the park to recharge.”

4. Reward Yourself for Following Through

Rewards aren’t just for big achievements—they can work wonders for smaller, day-to-day wins, too. A little extra motivation can make a huge difference, especially when you’re pushing through tiredness.

• Push past the fatigue: Pick something you enjoy, like watching a movie or grabbing your favorite drink.

Reframe it as a game:

• Replace, “Who cares if I did this today?” with, “If I get this done, I’ll treat myself to a nice cup of coffee tomorrow.”

5. Have an Accountability Partner

Accountability can be a game-changer. When someone is checking in on your progress, you’re less likely to procrastinate or push tasks to another day.

• Find a buddy: Ask a friend, partner, or coach to keep you on track. Even a quick check-in with someone can create positive, external motivation.

Try switching your perspective:

• Instead of, “I’ll postpone this till tomorrow,” think, “I need to give a progress update to John later.”

And If All Else Fails…

Remember, productivity isn’t about squeezing every last drop of energy out of yourself. If you’ve genuinely tried all of these strategies and still find yourself worn out, it’s okay to rest. Sometimes, the most productive thing you can do is call it a day and come back refreshed tomorrow.

To recap:

1. Set clear post-work intentions.

2. Use specific implementation intentions.

3. Take time to restore your energy.

4. Reward yourself for progress.

5. Lean on an accountability partner.

If these methods don’t get you through today, they’ll help you start afresh tomorrow. These practices are small, but when you do them consistently, they make a big difference. Here’s to tackling those personal goals, even on the days when energy feels low!

Until next week, keep pushing forward, one small step at a time.