Let’s be real: when you’re burnt out, reading a single paragraph can feel like trying to climb Everest in flip-flops. It’s not just “being tired”—it’s that bone-deep exhaustion where your brain effectively locks you out of your own head.

If you’re stuck in that fog but have deadlines that won’t budge, the worst thing you can do is try to “hustle” through it. Here is how to actually get things done when you have zero gas left in the tank.

Use the “10-Minute Trick”
The hardest part of studying while burnt out isn’t the work itself; it’s the sheer dread of starting. Tell yourself you’re only going to work for 10 minutes, and then you’re allowed to quit. No strings attached. Usually, once the timer starts, the “scary” factor of the task drops. And if it doesn’t? At least you did 10 minutes more than you would have otherwise.

Change Your Scenery
Sometimes your brain associates your desk with stress. If you’ve been staring at the same four walls, move. Go to a library, a coffee shop, or even just the kitchen table. Switch from a bright overhead light to a warm lamp. These small sensory shifts can trick your brain into feeling a little less “trapped” by the workload.

Rest is a Requirement, Not a Reward
We often treat rest like a trophy we have to earn after working hard. When you’re burnt out, rest is part of the work. Taking a nap or sitting outside for twenty minutes isn’t “slacking”—it’s maintenance. You wouldn’t expect your phone to run on 1% battery forever; don’t expect your brain to, either.

Go easy on yourself today. You’re doing the best you can with a very empty battery.

Ella Fisher