Ever feel like you’re constantly running on empty, even when you’ve had a full night’s sleep?
It’s a feeling many of us are familiar with — that constant drain, like you’re wading through a treacle. It’s not just about physical tiredness, it’s a mental and emotional exhaustion that seems to linger, no matter what you do.
As it turns out, some of our seemingly harmless habits can be the very things sucking the life out of us.
In this article, I’m going to talk about 9 such behaviors that could be secretly draining you.
1) You’re always ‘switched on’
Living in a hyper-connected world, we’re often tempted to be in a constant state of readiness.
Who doesn’t want to be up-to-date with the latest news, trends, emails, or social media updates?
However, this constant state of alertness can be taxing on our energy.
Being ‘switched on’ all the time can lead to a feeling of mental exhaustion. It’s like running a marathon without taking a break — eventually, you’re going to feel drained.
This is because our brains need downtime to rest and recharge, just as our bodies do.
If you find yourself constantly checking your phone, or feel anxious if you’re not connected, this could be one of the behaviors that’s draining your energy.
Remember, it’s okay to unplug and take a breather. Your mind will thank you for it.
2) You’re a chronic people-pleaser
Ever heard of the term ‘people-pleaser‘?
It refers to individuals who have an intense need to be liked by others. They often go above and beyond, sometimes at their own expense, to make others happy.
Are you nodding along as you read this?
Being a people-pleaser may seem like a noble trait. After all, what’s wrong with wanting to put a smile on someone’s face?
Well, sometimes we forget something very important:
Constantly prioritizing others over yourself can be incredibly draining. It can lead to feelings of resentment, stress, and eventually, burnout.
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That’s why I’m certain that those of us who continually bend over backward to meet other people’s needs will end up feeling drained.
3) You’re not setting clear boundaries
If you’re a people-pleaser, chances are you’re no stranger to blurred boundaries.
Boundaries?
Yes, those invisible lines we draw to protect our well-being and maintain balance in our lives.
I know they might seem restrictive, but in reality, they’re quite liberating.
Setting clear boundaries means saying ‘no’ when you need to. It means putting your needs first sometimes without feeling guilty.
But here’s the paradox:
The more we bend our boundaries to accommodate others, the more we drain ourselves. We give away our time, energy, and resources until we’re left feeling depleted.
4) You’re neglecting self-care
Now, let me ask you one important question:
Are you taking enough time for yourself?
In the hustle and bustle of life, it’s easy to forget to take care of ourselves. We’re often so busy meeting deadlines, fulfilling commitments, and taking care of others, that we put our own needs on the back burner.
However, neglecting self-care is like running a car without ever stopping for gas — eventually, you’re going to run out of fuel, right?
Don’t even think that self-care isn’t just about bubble baths and spa days, though. Real self-care means nourishing your body with healthy food, getting enough sleep, engaging in physical activity, and taking time to relax and recharge.
If you feel drained often, take a step back and evaluate your self-care routine.
You might be surprised to find it lacking. Revamping your self-care routine could be the key to feeling more energized and less drained.
5) You’re carrying emotional baggage
Emotional baggage — we all have it.
It’s part of being human.
But sometimes, we hold on to past hurts, disappointments, and traumas for far too long. This emotional clutter can weigh us down, draining us of energy.
Here are some signs that you might be carrying emotional baggage:
- Feeling stuck in the past
- Having difficulty trusting others
- Struggling to let go of resentment
- Experiencing recurring negative thoughts
If these signs resonate with you, it’s possible that your emotional baggage is draining you.
Dealing with this baggage might just be the step towards feeling lighter and more energized.
6) You’re feeding negative self-talk
We’ve all been there.
That little voice in our head that pops up every now and then, feeding us a steady diet of self-doubt, criticism, and negativity.
“I can’t do this”, “I’m not good enough”, “I’m a failure” — sound familiar?
We often underestimate the power of our thoughts.
But our inner dialogue can have a profound impact on how we feel. Constant negative self-talk can be draining, leaving us feeling tired, stressed, and overwhelmed.
Let’s be honest, it’s not easy to silence that critical voice. But acknowledging its presence is the first step towards addressing it.
7) You’re not expressing your feelings
Imagine this:
You’ve had a tough day at work. Your boss criticized you in front of your team, and you felt embarrassed and upset. But instead of expressing your feelings, you bottled them up and put on a brave face.
Sounds like something you would do?
Bottling up emotions might seem like a good strategy in the short term. It helps us avoid conflict and maintain a calm facade.
But what happens when you suppress your feelings over a long period of time?
This emotional repression can be incredibly draining. It’s like carrying a heavy load that gets heavier with each suppressed emotion.
So, if you often find yourself swallowing your feelings instead of expressing them, take a moment to reflect. Could this be the hidden reason why you often feel drained?
8) You’re caught in the comparison trap
Here’s something I learned the hard way:
Comparison is an energy vampire.
I remember a time when I used to constantly compare myself to others. My friends’ successes, my colleagues’ achievements, even random strangers on social media – it felt like everyone was doing better than me.
It was exhausting. I was so caught up in measuring up to others that I didn’t realize how much it was draining me.
The truth is, playing the comparison game is a surefire way to sap your energy. It fuels insecurity, breeds discontentment, and distracts us from our own path.
Only later I realized something vital:
My journey is unique, and it’s okay to move at my own pace. And the same applies to you.
9) You’re not living in alignment with your values
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, feeling constantly drained might be a sign that you’re not living in alignment with your core values.
Our values serve as our compass, guiding us in the decisions we make and the actions we take.
When we stray from this path, it can create an internal conflict that drains our energy.
So, here’s the thing:
If you’re always feeling drained, it might be worth taking some time to sit down and reflect on your core values.
Are your daily actions and decisions reflecting these values?
Finding this alignment could be the key to regaining your energy and living a more fulfilled life. It’s not always easy, but it’s certainly worth the journey.
What’s next on your journey to energy?
So, we’ve explored some potential behaviors that could be draining your energy. But the journey doesn’t end here.
Here are a few more steps you can take to further boost your energy levels and overall wellbeing:
- Practice mindfulness: Being present in the moment can help reduce stress and increase energy.
- Stay hydrated: Dehydration can lead to fatigue. Make sure you’re drinking enough water throughout the day.
- Connect with nature: Spending time outdoors has been shown to boost mood and energy.
Energy is a precious commodity, and it’s crucial to understand what may be draining us of this vital resource.
And most importantly, never forget that self-awareness is key. Take the time to reflect on your behaviors and habits, and don’t be afraid to make changes where needed.
Who knows?
You might just discover a wellspring of energy you never knew you had.
Feeling stuck in self-doubt?
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