Anxiety Fatigue, Here are the Signs from your therapist in Sugar Land, TX.

Today, I’m doing a little book club that morphed into an "article club" moment and diving into the article "7 signs a woman’s soul is tired, even if her body keeps going" by Olivia Reid. It is something that hits a little too close to home for many of us—the difference between tiredness and fatigue and those subtle signs that your soul may cry for help, even when your body keeps marching on.

The first thing Olivia does that is important is define tiredness versus fatigue. Tiredness is that all-too-familiar feeling we get after a long day. You know the drill: you’ve been juggling work, social commitments, and perhaps a budding romance that’s more exhilarating than exhausting. A good night’s sleep usually wipes that feeling away. But fatigue? Oh boy, that's a whole different beast. Fatigue doesn’t just hint; it shouts! It lingers even after you sleep like a baby and eat your greens. It’s that chronic exhaustion that seeps into your very essence, making everyday tasks feel like scaling Everest.

Here are some signs that Olivia talks about, which signal that your soul is tired:

Loss of Interest: Remember that hobby you used to adore? When the thought of picking it up again feels like a chore, your soul could be signaling that it’s weary. It’s not just a phase; it’s a push to ask yourself what brings you joy.

Overwhelming Tasks: Small, simple tasks start feeling monumental. You wake up with a weight on your chest, that nagging sense of dread sitting next to you. Trust me, I’ve been there. It’s not physical fatigue; it's your spirit crying out for a break. Even doing the dishes feels like one thing too many and brings you to your knees.

Neglecting Self-Care: You might skip meals or forget water like it’s out of style. Self-care becomes a distant memory because the soul feels so drained that even basic needs slip through the cracks.

Feeling Unfulfilled: It’s not about unhappiness—there's a difference. You could be hitting those milestones but still feel like something is missing. Your soul says, “Hey, I need more than just busy work!”

Difficulty Finding Joy: When joy feels elusive, it’s not because life lacks good moments. It’s often because your soul is tired. Even the happy experiences that once sparked excitement fall flat, and you search for that lost spark.

Disconnect from Yourself: Feeling disconnected? If you’ve lost touch with who you are or what you want, it’s a glaring sign your soul is depleted. This isn’t confusion—it’s a plea for reconnection.

Desire for Solitude: Ironically, even while seeking connection, you might crave solitude. It’s a paradox where social interactions feel draining rather than uplifting.

Anxiety and fatigue dance together like an unwelcome pair at a wedding. Stress and worry can sap your energy, leaving you unable to tackle even the simplest tasks. It amplifies that déjà vu of being overwhelmed, making breathing impossible, let alone finding your rhythm again.

What do you do when you notice these signs?

The first step is acknowledging that it’s not just about getting more sleep or pushing through the fatigue. It’s about embarking on a journey within and discovering what your soul needs. It's okay to feel this way. Reflect, reconnect with activities that nurture your spirit, and permit yourself to rest. Finding that balance is key to reviving both your energy and your enthusiasm.

If you’re feeling that disconnect from your soul, it's time to get back in touch with what makes you, well, you! Start by carving out some “me time.” Think about activities that spark joy: painting, dancing, lounging with a good book, or a walk in the park. These things can work wonders for the soul. Consider journaling. It’s a great way to unpack your feelings and get to the root of what might be weighing you down.

When figuring out if you’re dealing with regular tiredness or something deeper, pay attention to your body’s signals. If a good night’s sleep or a lazy weekend doesn’t bring back your zest for life and those everyday tasks still feel insurmountable, you might be dealing with emotional fatigue. It’s like trying to run a marathon with a pebble in your shoe; it's not just tiredness if it is always with you. This is your sign that you need to dive deeper into your emotions and well-being.

When tackling anxiety alongside fatigue, let’s be real: deep breaths can do a lot more than you think. Find a breathing technique that works for you—try the 4-7-8 method, where you inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 7, and exhale for 8. It’s simple, but it can help ground you when life feels a bit chaotic. Meditating can also be helpful; even five minutes of focused breathing can help quiet that inner critic and bring clarity.

Don’t hesitate to contact Southern Pine Counseling if you need to discuss things. We are here to help you get on track to the life you want to live quickly and effectively.