The real reason you’re always exhausted (and it’s not what you think)

Isabella Chase by Isabella Chase | May 29, 2025, 4:33 am

You may think you know why you’re always tired. Maybe it’s lack of sleep or overwork, right? Wrong.

There’s a hidden factor causing your fatigue, and it’s not what you’d expect.

This isn’t about convincing you to sleep more or work less. It’s about shedding light on a surprising source of exhaustion that many overlook.

In this article, we’ll reveal the real reason you’re always feeling drained. And trust me, it will surprise you.

1) Lack of quality ‘me’ time

We’re all guilty of it.

Burning the candle at both ends, trying to cram as much as we can into our busy lives. Work, family, friends – the list is endless.

But here’s a shocker. Your constant fatigue might not be due to lack of sleep or overwork.

It could be the lack of quality ‘me’ time.

It’s easy to overlook the importance of taking time out for yourself. But it plays a crucial role in our mental and physical wellbeing.

When you don’t take time for yourself, stress and exhaustion build up. You’re constantly running on empty, and that’s a surefire way to feel constantly tired.

This isn’t about being selfish or neglecting responsibilities. It’s about understanding the importance of balance in your life.

So, if you’re always feeling exhausted, it might be time to start scheduling some quality ‘me’ time into your day. Trust me, you’ll feel the difference.

2) Dehydration is more exhausting than you think

Confession time. I used to be terrible at drinking enough water.

I’d start my day with coffee, keep the caffeine coming, and only grab a glass of water when I was really thirsty. But by mid-afternoon, I’d be feeling sluggish and tired.

It wasn’t until I started drinking more water that I realized the impact it had on my energy levels.

Dehydration, even mild, can leave you feeling drained. Your body needs water to function properly. When it doesn’t have enough, it has to work harder, leaving you feeling tired.

If you’re always feeling worn out, it might be worth checking your water intake. You might be surprised by the difference staying hydrated can make.

3) Your screen time is draining you

You might not realize it, but that smartphone you’re glued to could be the culprit behind your constant exhaustion.

Studies have shown that excessive screen time, especially before bed, can mess with your sleep patterns. The blue light emitted by screens suppresses the production of melatonin – the hormone that controls your sleep-wake cycle.

So, you might think you’re winding down with some late-night scrolling, but in reality, you’re making it harder for your body to switch off and rest.

Cutting back on screen time, particularly in the evenings, could be a game changer for your energy levels.

4) You’re skipping exercise

It might sound counterintuitive, but skipping your exercise routine could be making you more tired.

Exercise has been proven to boost energy levels, improve mood, and enhance overall well-being. It gets your blood flowing and your heart pumping, leading to better circulation and increased energy.

So, if you’re feeling rundown and fatigued, it may be time to lace up those running shoes or unroll that yoga mat. Even a brisk walk around the block can do wonders for your energy levels.

5) Emotional baggage is heavy

We often underestimate the toll emotional stress can take on our physical health.

Carrying around unresolved feelings, past trauma, or ongoing relationship issues can be extremely draining. These emotional burdens can manifest as physical fatigue, leaving you feeling constantly exhausted.

It’s okay to acknowledge that emotional healing is a part of your journey to better health and energy. Seeking help through therapy or counseling, or even opening up to a trusted friend, can lighten your emotional load and lead to a noticeable increase in your energy levels.

Remember, it’s not just about taking care of your body, but your mind and heart as well.

6) Your diet might be the culprit

A few years back, I found myself constantly tired, no matter how much sleep I got or how many cups of coffee I guzzled. It was frustrating and confusing.

Then, I decided to take a closer look at what I was putting into my body. Turns out, my diet was the culprit.

I was eating a lot of processed foods and not nearly enough fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins – all of which provide the nutrients your body needs for energy.

When I started focusing on healthier eating, I noticed a significant change in my energy levels.

So, if you’re always feeling tired, it’s worth taking a good look at your diet. You might find that a few simple changes can make a big difference.

7) You’re ignoring the sunlight

Sunlight can do wonders for your energy levels. It helps your body produce vitamin D, which plays a crucial role in energy production.

Spending too much time indoors, away from natural light, could be a contributing factor to your constant fatigue. If you’re cooped up in an office all day or simply not getting outside enough, you might be missing out on the energizing benefits of the sun.

Try to incorporate more outdoor time into your day, even if it’s just a short walk on your lunch break or a few minutes in the garden. Your energy levels may thank you for it.

8) Your body is trying to tell you something

Perhaps the most important thing to understand about constant exhaustion is that it’s your body’s way of saying something is off balance.

Whether it’s stress, poor diet, lack of exercise, or something else entirely, your fatigue is a signal that something needs to change.

Ignoring these signs can lead to further health complications. So listen to your body, make the necessary changes, and seek professional help if needed. This is the key to overcoming your fatigue and regaining your vitality.

The underlying truth: It’s about balance

Our bodies are complex systems, a delicate balance of numerous functions and processes all working in harmony.

Your constant exhaustion? It’s a symptom. A sign that somewhere, this balance has been disrupted. It could be physical, like poor diet or lack of exercise. It could be emotional, rooted in stress or unresolved feelings. Or it could be environmental, influenced by factors like screen time or lack of sunlight.

But whatever the cause, the message is clear: something needs to change.

Remember, your body is an incredibly intelligent system. It knows when something is off balance and it will communicate this to you, often through symptoms like fatigue.

The key is to listen to what it’s trying to tell you and take steps to restore your balance. Whether that means adjusting your diet, incorporating more exercise, seeking emotional support, or simply getting more sunlight – only you can make these changes.

After all, your health and energy are in your hands. And understanding this is the first step towards overcoming constant exhaustion and reclaiming your vitality.