Tired? This 10-Minute Routine Feels Like a Nap (But Better!)

Tired? This 10-Minute Routine Feels Like a Nap (But Better!)

Hey There, Fellow Exhausted Human!

Let’s be real: by 3 PM, most of us are running on caffeine fumes and sheer willpower. You’re not actually lazy—your body’s just screaming, “HEY! We’re stuck in stress mode over here!”

I get it. As the founder of FitLifePortal, I’ve tested 73 (yes, I counted) “quick fixes” for fatigue. Spoiler: 90% were garbage. But this weird little routine? It’s like hitting a reset button. No downward dogs, no kale smoothies—just science-backed moves you can do while binge-watching Netflix.

Why trust me? I’ve spent 5 years geeking out over muscle physiology. This isn’t gym-bro advice—it’s what I do daily to survive running a site, parenting twins, and keeping my plants alive (mostly).

Why Your “Tired” Isn’t Normal (And How to Fix It)

Here’s the thing: *fatigue isn’t your fault. Modern life’s a dumpster fire for your nervous system. Sitting? Clenched jaws? Shallow “email breaths”? Your body thinks it’s being chased by tigers. *All. Day. Long.

This routine flips the script:

  • Melts “hidden tension” (looking at you, angry-brow work frown).
  • Triggers your chill-out system (parasympathetic nervous system, if we’re being fancy).
  • Feels like a hug for your muscles.

The “I Can’t Adult Today” Routine

Total time: 10 minutes. Equipment: Your body. Dress code: Pajamas encouraged.

🕒 Pro Tip: Do this during your 2 PM Zoom slump or post-dinner zombie mode.

1. The “Did I Just See a Ghost?” Face Workout

(Targets: Forehead, eyes, jaw)

  • Step 1: Make your best “Wait, WHAT?!” face—eyebrows sky-high, forehead wrinkles. Hold for 20 seconds.
  • Step 2: Flutter eyes shut like a Disney princess waking up. Slow-mo blink 5x.
    Why it rocks: Releases tension headaches from screen-staring.

💡 My Hack: Hum the Golden Girls theme while doing this. Instant mood boost.

2. The Secret Jaw Trick Busy People Miss

(Targets: Jaw, tongue)

  • Step 1: Pretend you’re a kid hiding broccoli under your tongue. Press it hard to the roof of your mouth. Hold.
  • Step 2: Let go like you just tasted that broccoli. “BLEH!”
    Science says: 80% of desk workers clench their jaws. Ouch.

💡 Storytime: My dentist once told me I grind my teeth like a “chainsaw in sleep mode.” This fixed it.

3. The “I’m Definitely Stretching, Not Napping” Neck Move

(Targets: Neck, shoulders)

  • Step 1: Chin to chest like you’re nodding off in a boring meeting.
  • Step 2: Roll shoulders back 3x—imagine you’re a peacock showing off.
    Why? Undoes “text neck” from phone addiction.

4. The Air Squeeze That’s Weirdly Satisfying

(Targets: Full-body tension)

  • Step 1: Tighten EVERYTHING—abs, butt, fists. Pretend you’re a lemon getting juiced.
  • Step 2: Release like you’re a deflating balloon. “Psssshhhh…”
    Feels like: Stress leaving your body.

💡 Pro Move: Do this during awkward family Zoom calls. No one will notice.

5. Toe Wiggles for Grown-Ups

(Targets: Feet, calves)

  • Step 1: Scrunch toes like you’re grabbing sand at the beach.
  • Step 2: Lift toes up like you’re avoiding lava. Alternate 10x.
    Why bother? Foot tension = bad posture = low energy.

The Magic Breathing Hack

(Steal this from Navy SEALs)
4-7-8 Breathing:

  1. Inhale for 4 sec (nose)
  2. Hold for 7 sec (pretend you’re a spy hiding)
  3. Exhale for 8 sec (mouth like blowing out candles)
    Repeat 4x.

🚨 Warning: Might make you so zen, you forget your inbox exists.

FAQs (Because You’re Skeptical, and I Get It)

*Q: Will this actually work if I’m *always tired?**
A: Try it for 3 days. My mom (58, works night shifts) said it’s “better than coffee.” High praise!

Q: Can I do this in bed? Asking for a friend.
A: 100%. Steps 1-4 work lying down. Just don’t fall asleep mid-stretch.

Q: Why 20 seconds? TikTok said 10!
A: Research says 20 sec resets muscle memory. But hey, adjust if you’re impatient!

Q: What if I hate “wellness” stuff?
A: I’m with you. That’s why there’s zero chanting or kale here.

Why This Isn’t Just Another Boring List

Look, I used to roll my eyes at “self-care.” Then I had a burnout so bad, I cried over burnt toast. This routine isn’t about perfection—it’s about giving your body a mic drop moment amid chaos.

Your Homework (It’s Fun, I Swear)

  1. Try it tonight. Set a phone reminder: “Time to un-clench!”
  2. Pair with: Your fave guilty pleasure song (mine: MMMBop by Hanson).
  3. Tag us @FitLifePortal with your “I did it!” selfie. We’ll cheer you on!

P.S. If you’re thinking, “But I don’t have 10 minutes!”—babe, you’ve scrolled Instagram longer today. You’ve got this. 😉


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