Exhaustion, it seems, is part and parcel of today’s world. Numerous responsibilities, distractions, and stressors pile up. Work, household chores, raising children, incessant stimulation from electronic devices, and living through a pandemic all take their toll. Our mental and physical energy is drained.
But exhaustion can also be a symptom of anxiety, not just being overly busy. Before you write off your bone-deep weariness as a consequence of modern life, consider how anxiety may be contributing to your fatigue as well.
1.You Can’t Relax, Even When There’s Time
What do you find yourself doing when there’s a free hour or evening in your week? If you feel exhausted, you probably know that you should use this opportunity to rest and recharge.
But the very nature of anxiety means that you often can’t relax, even when you need to the most. This is because anxiety is rooted deep within our neurological responses to stress. An ancient coping mechanism known as the fight or flight response is responsible for this tension.
When you feel fearful or nervous about something, there’s a steady flow of biochemicals that are intended to help you act quickly to survive a physical danger. But in our modern world, we’re not running from dangerous carnivores. Our bodies, unfortunately, still reacts in this survival mode.
When you’re anxious, these stress hormones can cause the body to get stuck in this response, long after any danger has passed. They keep your heart rate high and your muscles tense. They keep your brain focused on getting through the threat ( real or imagined). Your body doesn’t get a chance to recover and stabilize. Exhaustion is the natural fallout.
2.You Ache All the Time
Anxiety often ramps up nervous tension in our bodies. Without even realizing it, we’re clenching our teeth and tensing muscles in our shoulders and legs much of the time. Our muscles aren’t made to be held in constant tension like this. When they are, aches and pains are a natural result.
3.Insomnia
Do you find yourself frequently awake in the middle of the night? If you are ruminating on your worries instead of sleeping, anxiety is probably a factor. The way that anxiety wears on our bodies and minds can very much interfere with our sleep cycles. This is true even if you’re exhausted. The stress hormones of anxiety are designed to keep us alert. So when they stay in our system, we don’t get a break.
Of course, the longer your insomnia lasts, the more tired you become.
4.You Can’t Turn Your Thoughts Off
One of the symptoms of anxiety is not being able to turn off your anxious thoughts. Racing thoughts can replay possible negative outcomes in your mind over and over again. You dissect the day’s social interactions hoping you didn’t inadvertently say something offensive.
This cycle is exhausting. Your brain doesn’t get a chance to refocus and recharge. Just as when you hold your muscles in tension, the same thing happens to your brain. It leaves you bleary and unable to think clearly much of the time.
5.Tummy Troubles
You’re probably not surprised to hear that anxiety can also cause an upset stomach and G.I. issues. You may feel tension in your stomach when you’re anxious. Sometimes anxiety can even leave you feeling nauseous. You may not eat as much as your body needs, or overeat on comfort foods.
Nutritional imbalances can occur as a result. Combined with the physical discomfort of tummy troubles, they add to your fatigue.
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Fortunately, identifying the source of anxiety exhaustion can be the first step toward finding relief. If you’re struggling with anxiety and are ready to work toward healing, I’m here to help. Please read more about anxiety treatment and call my office to learn more.