We live in a world filled with unrealistic expectations. We are constantly told to be productive, work harder, and achieve more, even if that means using all of our energy to reach unrealistic expectations. Being emotionally exhausted is when we feel drained and/or worn out emotionally due to life stressors. This can be with work, school, relationships, family, etc.
Be mindful of the signs of exhaustion so that you know when to address it. Do you feel like you are tired even when you get plenty of rest? This is a huge sign of emotional exhaustion. There are many things that increase emotional exhaustion, such as lack of rest or a routine, a good amount of exercise, a proper diet, healthy relationships, and much more.
Be aware of the signs of emotional exhaustion to when you need to make changes to not become so burnt out. Below is a list of signs that you may be emotionally exhausted.
Symptoms of emotional exhaustion
- Irritability
- Lack of drive
- Feeling hopeless
- Fatigue
- Anxiety
- Changes in appetite
- Depression
Signs of being emotionally exhausted
- Running low on motivation or passion
We get so focused on the task at hand such as work, or finances, that we forget what drives us. You may feel like you are unable to rest until you reach a specific goal, but what happens after that? Try not to forget the little things. Avoiding our passions can increase burnout and exhaustion.
- Bad sleep patterns
For those of us who are exhausted and burnt out we tend to develop bad sleep habits such as getting enough sleep or sleeping too much. When we are drained, we become overwhelmed with stress and anxiety, making it hard to sleep. The less sleep we get, the more drained we become.
- Feeling stuck
When we become exhausted, we may not like the thought of change. We feel comfortable and do not want to face change. When we feel stuck, we also lack inspiration and may have a negative mindset.
- You feel like your responsibilities are too much
When we have too many responsibilities at once we cause stress on the brain. Managing too much at once gives our energy to too many different things, causing exhaustion. Most people that are emotionally exhausted take on too many responsibilities and duties.
- You feel like you have to hide your true emotions
When we are emotionally exhausted, we tend to feel like we must put on a facade and pretend to be happy. Faking how we feel can make us even more exhausted. We must learn to be mindful of our emotions to overcome emotional exhaustion.
Steps to overcoming being emotional exhausted
- Identify and work on stressors
- Eat a balanced diet and create a proper sleep schedule
- Practice mindfulness and being in the present
- Learn to take breaks
- Incorporate self-care into your routine
- Talk to friends or loved ones
- Seek out a therapist
Can you relate to any of the signs or symptoms listed above? Many of us face emotional exhaustion every day and do not realize what is causing these signs or symptoms. Take the time to understand what is causing your exhaustion and what you can do to reduce your stress and focus on your mental and physical well-being.
Sometimes we let ourselves become overwhelmed by the little things until we realize that they were not so bad. Be mindful of these things to allow yourself to not become emotionally overwhelmed by every situation.
Mindfulness practices such as breathing exercises or meditation is a great way to listen and understand your emotions and what your emotions are trying to tell you. If you struggle with emotional exhaustion do not be afraid to reach out to a friend, loved one, or a counselor or therapist for help.
