Feeling Tired or Drained? Here’s What to Ask Your Brain

Jul 02, 2025

Not all exhaustion comes from doing too much.

Sometimes, you’re not physically tired — you’re mentally misaligned.

We blame fatigue on our calendars, deadlines, or lack of sleep.

But often, it’s not what we’re doing that drains us.

It’s how we think about it.

I’ve had days where I did very little — and still felt wiped out.

And other days where I worked hard, but ended the day energized.

The difference wasn’t my workload.

It was what my brain was focusing on.

So next time you feel tired, try asking yourself a few honest questions before pushing through:

1️⃣ Is This Fatigue or Friction?

Are you actually tired?

Or is your energy being drained by avoidance, resistance, or self-doubt?

Unfinished tasks. Unmade decisions. Unspoken thoughts.

They all create mental drag.

Sometimes rest isn’t the answer. Clarity is.

2️⃣ Am I Thinking in Loops?

Replaying the same worry.
Mentally rewriting the same conversation.
Stuck in “what if” spirals.

Overthinking burns energy — and gives you nothing in return.

Break the loop. Write it out. Say it out loud. Give your thoughts somewhere to go.

3️⃣ Is This Draining or Just Unaligned?

Some things drain you not because they’re hard — but because they’re not right for you.

It’s not that you can’t do it.

It’s that deep down, you don’t want to.

Pay attention. Your energy is feedback.

4️⃣ Am I Resting… or Just Numbing?

Scrolling isn’t rest. Avoidance isn’t recovery.

Your brain knows the difference.

If your “break” leaves you more tired, it’s not rest — it’s distraction.

Try stillness. Movement. Sleep. Connection. Something real.

Reclaim Your Energy

Tired doesn’t always mean stop.

Sometimes it means listen.

Pause.
Take a breath.
Ask your brain: What do I really need right now?

And then — honor the answer.

As Anne Lamott wrote:
“Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes… including you.”

Comment below if this resonates with you.

What’s one thing you’re letting go of today to protect your energy?

Mindful Journal