We’ve all been there at some point—feeling like the weight of everything is just too much. You wake up exhausted, even after a full night’s sleep. The things you once loved doing now seem like a chore. You find yourself asking, Why do I feel this way? Why does everything feel so heavy?
If this resonates with you, you’re not alone. Just this week, I had this exact conversation with three different people. Their response? “It’s easy to say.”
And that’s the thing—when we’re feeling overwhelmed or burnt out, advice can feel like empty words. But acknowledging how common this feeling is may just be the first step toward addressing it.
Why Do We Feel So Tired?
Feeling tired—physically, emotionally, and mentally—is more common than we might think. It can happen to anyone, no matter how “together” their life may look from the outside. There are a few core reasons why this fatigue creeps in:
1. Burnout: When we push ourselves too hard for too long, whether at work, in relationships, or while pursuing personal goals, we risk burnout. It's the body and mind’s way of saying, “Enough!” Often, we keep going because society glorifies hustle and productivity. But eventually, the constant stress takes a toll.
2. Lack of Purpose: If you’re going through the motions without a sense of fulfillment or joy, you may feel emotionally drained. Life becomes a series of tasks without meaning, which can make every day feel exhausting. This is where understanding your Ikigai—the reason for being—comes into play. Without purpose, life can feel like a grind.
3. Emotional Baggage: Whether it’s unresolved conflicts, past traumas, or simply carrying the weight of others' expectations, emotional fatigue can leave you feeling like you’re running on empty. You may not even realize how much these things weigh you down until you hit a breaking point.
4. Neglecting Self-Care: In our busy lives, we often forget to take care of ourselves. We prioritize everything else—work deadlines, family, and social obligations—without giving ourselves time to recharge. But you can’t pour from an empty cup.
5. Unexpressed Emotions: Sometimes, we don’t even recognize that we’re holding onto emotions we haven’t expressed. Suppressing sadness, anger, or fear might seem like a way to avoid pain, but it only leads to emotional exhaustion over time.
“Easy to Say”—But Here’s Why It Matters
It’s true—much of the advice around feeling overwhelmed might seem simple: Take care of yourself, slow down, set boundaries. When you’re feeling drained, these words can sound like a band-aid on a deeper problem.
But here’s why it’s still important to hear them: even small changes can make a difference. The feelings of exhaustion you’re experiencing are real, and no single piece of advice is going to fix it all overnight. However, by breaking things down into manageable steps, you can start to shift out of the fog.
Steps to Reclaim Your Energy
1. Prioritize Self-Care: It’s essential to take time for yourself—physically, mentally, and emotionally. Whether it's a simple walk in nature, journaling your thoughts, or taking a break from social media, self-care helps restore balance.
2. Reconnect with Your Purpose: Take a moment to reflect on what gives you joy and meaning. What activities make you feel alive? Reignite those passions. Discovering your Ikigai—the sweet spot where your passion, mission, vocation, and profession intersect—can help you move forward with purpose.
3. Set Boundaries: Sometimes, we feel drained because we’re giving too much of ourselves to others or to things that don’t serve us. Learn to say no when necessary and protect your energy.
4. Talk About Your Feelings: Find someone to talk to—a friend, a coach, or even a therapist. Sometimes just saying out loud what’s been weighing on you can help lift that burden.
5. Allow Yourself to Rest: Rest is not a reward; it’s a necessity. Allow yourself the time to do nothing. Embrace the idea that resting is productive.
Feeling tired of everything in life is often a sign that something deeper needs attention. It’s your body and soul’s way of saying, “Pause. Reflect. Adjust.” Instead of pushing through the exhaustion, take time to reconnect with yourself, rediscover your purpose, and find what truly energizes you.
Next time you feel overwhelmed, don’t just ask, “Why am I so tired?” but also, “What do I need to feel alive again?”
After all, it’s in asking the right questions and taking small steps that you’ll find the right answers—even if it seems easier said than done.
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