I totally feel the same way. I am constantly looking for ways to keep up my energy at work and by the time 2:00 p.m. hits, I am completely done. The one thing that I have found that helps is that try to get to work before anyone else does. My normal hours are 9-5 but I have been getting to work at 8:00 a.m. This gives me time to organize my thoughts and, because no one else is there, it is quiet and I can organize my desk for the days work. I work at a Courthouse and when 9:00 a.m. comes, everything goes crazy so by getting there early, this gives me time to sort of "take a big breath" before the start of the day. Although I struggle with getting through the day, this is just one hint that may work for you. I always thought I was just being lazy because, like you, I miss out on a lot of activities on the weekend and in the evening becauseI am so tired and completely spent. All I want to do on the weekends is sit in my recliner and read. Help!

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Depending upon your age, try to take a power nap when you get home...just 15-20 minutes and no more. Vitamins, just a regular multivitamin taken at night when your metabolism is slower can boast energy too. Because it seems that there is a much stress in your job place, try 20 minutes of exercise after your nap to actually revive your metabolism/energy level. Drink enough water throughout the day as well. Additionally, I find that when I am required to focus for hours that I feel spent as well. You need a mental break as it seems like I must power down because I become so overwhelmed by the visual and auditory stimuli whether its in the workplace or community. Lighting, computers, and other electronic devices emitting small amounts of sound due to fans, flourescent hum/flickering effect all are perceived by the brain and can add to feeling overwhelmed and/or spent. What is all boils down to is learning to know when it's time to take a break in order to come back feeling refreshed. Diet, rest, exercise and finding joy daily help to power us back up.

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sazpillaga said: Lighting, computers, and other electronic devices emitting small amounts of sound due to fans, flourescent hum/flickering effect all are perceived by the brain and can add to feeling overwhelmed and/or spent.

I love my job but I also feel completely exhausted and overwhelmed by the normal 40 hour work week. I think the work environment is a huge part of it and I often close my office door when I am feeling especially grumpy because of overstimulation. They have just installed new lighting in our office complex and it is motion-activated and there is no way to turn it off. I find this incredibly frustrating because sometimes I cannot stand the light and buzz from the bulbs. No one keeps track of where I am most of the time so sometimes I will just get up and go for a walk around the block. I NEED to get out. Unfortunately this doesn't work in the winter.

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Besides ADD, I have another genetic disorder called EDS, which means I fatigue easily and need more rest than the average person to feel well. I get so discouraged at work because, when I am dead tired, I have nowhere to go to be away from the overstimulation, noise, and general office chaos. I serve the public, meaning people come in all through the day needing my assistance. I have been doing this kind of work for nearly 30 years and honestly don't know how, with my ADD and EDS, I have held up this long. I plan to retire the minute I am eligible (age 60, with my company), but that is still a couple of years down the road. In the meantime I get depressed just thinking about my job, the stress, the exhaustion, and the having no life on weekends or other time off. I have asked for some additional accommodations (my employer knows about both my conditions), like some unpaid leave when I just can't go on and have used up all sick leave. I'd like to know what others in my situation do to keep going and keep their spirits up, because I am so tired, tired, tired of working I can barely even think. Thanks for any advice.

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I get more exhausted the more ADHD unfriendly my tasks have been that day. You might consider a job where you travel rather than a strictly desk job if you can as that has worked well for me. I figured out a total desk job doesn't work for me.

You didn't mention if you were taking any medications. I just started on Adderall and have been coming home feeling human for a change. Good Luck!

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