In this blog we'll discover the 6 Surprising Energy Drainers That May Be Causing Your Fatigue. With the stressors of surviving life these days, its even more important to pay attention to what gives you energy and what is taking it. Having a lack of energy can lead to depression, anger issues and developing health problems.
Sometimes, we can do everything right to manage our energy—getting quality sleep, staying hydrated, making time to rest—and still end up feeling exhausted. If you constantly feel drained, talk to your doctor to find out if an underlying health issue is the cause.
But if your fatigue is more of a blah feeling that comes and goes, it may be due to an unexpected source. Read on to find out if one of these six sneaky power zappers is causing your personal energy crisis.
Pushing Back Bedtime
Often, the very end of the day is the only slice of free time we can find in our busy days to do what we want to do rather than all the things we have to do for others. As a result, we stay up later than we should, even when we feel tired, as a way to reclaim time to get chores done, read, watch a movie, or work on a hobby. This phenomenon is known as “revenge bedtime procrastination.”
“While it may feel like a small act of rebellion against the demands of our daily lives, this habit can backfire and leave us feeling even more exhausted the next day," says Annia Raja, Ph.D., a licensed clinical psychologist in Santa Monica, California. Over time, swapping bedtime for "me time" can lead to chronic sleep deprivation and kick off a vicious cycle of fatigue.
To combat this energy drainer, establish a consistent bedtime routine and prioritize adequate sleep. Also, try to find other times during the day when you can focus on the activities you enjoy most.
Toxic Relationships
Whether it's between romantic partners, family, or friends, negative relationships and the stress they can cause can be mentally and physically draining.
Sometimes, the best way to cope with a toxic relationship is by ending it altogether. But that's not always possible. If you're dealing with a sticky relationship that leaves you feeling drained instead of energized, setting firm boundaries with the person and seeking support from the positive relationships in your life can help.
Multitasking
In our too-much-to-do world, many of us have been guilty of trying to accomplish more in less time by doing several things at once. But in reality, multitasking can be more of an energy killer than a time saver.
Research suggests that juggling multiple tasks at once leaves you unable to give your full attention to any one task. This can lead to errors and a sense of frustration or overwhelm. Constantly shifting focus between projects can also lead to mental fatigue and burnout.
To combat the energy-draining effects of multitasking, prioritize tasks, focus on one thing at a time, and take regular breaks to recharge your mental battery.
Perfectionism
Do you expect yourself to be a perfect partner, parent, friend, coworker, and neighbor? When we strive for perfection in everything, we can become hyper-focused on the details and lose sight of the bigger picture.
“Perfectionists set impossibly high standards for themselves and often criticize themselves harshly when they fall short," Raja says. "This can lead to feelings of guilt, shame, and self-doubt, which can drain emotional energy.” Instead of trying to do everything perfectly, lower your expectations and practice self-compassion.
Virtual Meetings
Conferencing apps like Zoom and Teams are quickly becoming a mainstay of work life. While meetings are a workplace essential, back-to-back meetings—even virtual ones—can be tiring.
While many people joke about experiencing Zoom fatigue, this is an all-to-real phenomenon. A Stanford University study suggests that the presence of multiple nonverbal cues increases fatigue during video conferencing meetings.
To beat Zoom fatigue, try turning off your self-view during meetings. You can also limit the number of video meetings you have in a day and allow sufficient breaks between meetings.
Too Many Decisions
Every time we make a decision, our brains need to process information, weigh options, and evaluate outcomes. Over time, this can deplete our mental resources, leaving us exhausted and overwhelmed. Decision fatigue can also lead to indecision or procrastination, as we may become paralyzed by the fear of making the wrong choice.
To combat decision fatigue, Raja says, “Simplify your choices whenever possible and delegate decision-making to others.” You can also try streamlining routine decisions, such as what to wear or eat, and prioritize the most important decisions when your mental energy is highest.
I hope this helps you to start making a shift in your daily routine, creating more time for yourself and increasing your much needed energy, so you can start Thriving in life.
Thank you for reading and please share this blog.
Coach Trina @ dragoyle.com
