5 Things You Shouldn't Do When You're Tired

When you are really, really tired, there are some obvious things to avoid doing, such as driving a car and operating dangerous equipment (don't even think about using that jig saw). But there are other things most of us don't think twice about doing, even when we are dog tired. Here are just 5.

1. Don't Eat junk food - junk food is bad any time, but when you are really tired, your tired brain is less likely to keep you from eating junk food. So, plan ahead of time what you can eat when you're exhausted that will be healthy. Also, stay away from grocery shopping or you will end up with a cart full of unhealthy junk food.
2. Avoid making important decisions - if possible, put off that important decision until you are well rested. A Duke University Medical Center study found that adults who were sleep-deprived are less likely to be able to fully analyze both positive and negative results from decisions.
3. Watch the coffee - drinking lots of coffee to stay awake is not the answer. Why? One sleep expert at Weill Cornell Center for Sleep Medicine at New York-Presbyterian Hospital explains that, while you may get an initial energy boost, half of what you drank will stay in your system for 5 hours. This could make it more difficult to sleep at night, and then you're back where you started.
4. Don't take a long nap - for the same reason, if you must take a nap, make it a short one, about 20-30 minutes. If it's very late in the day, avoid a nap if possible and just get a good night's sleep.
5. Go easy on your workout - if you work out regularly, take it easy when you're really tired. William Suggs, a certified personal trainer and licensed sports nutritionist in New York City, recommends focusing on lighter cardio exercises such as walking and biking. Pushing yourself too hard when you're tired puts you at greater risk for injury.

To read more, visit www.rd.com/health/wellness/things-to-avoid-while-tired/