7 things you don’t realize you’re doing because you’re emotionally exhausted

Lucas Graham by Lucas Graham | January 13, 2025, 2:49 pm

Emotional exhaustion can sneak up on you, often in ways you don’t immediately recognize.

It’s that feeling when you’re just not yourself, doing things that aren’t typical of you. It’s more than just feeling tired, it’s a deep-seated weariness that impacts your actions without you even realizing it.

There are signs, though – seven of them to be exact – that might just clue you in to the fact that you’re emotionally drained. And I’m here to share them with you.

Let’s dive in and explore these 7 things you don’t realize you’re doing because you’re emotionally exhausted. It’s time to understand what your actions are trying to tell you.

1) You’re neglecting self-care

Chances are, if you’re emotionally exhausted, you’re probably not taking care of yourself the way you should be.

Often, when we’re emotionally drained, the first thing that goes out the window is self-care. We stop exercising, eat junk food, and get less sleep. We might convince ourselves that we’re too busy or too tired to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

But what we’re actually doing is neglecting our physical health in response to our emotional state. It’s like a domino effect – our emotions impact our behaviors, which then impact our physical health.

Recognizing this pattern is the first step towards breaking it. So take a moment and ask yourself – are you taking care of you?

2) You’re becoming forgetful

I can’t count how many times I’ve found myself standing in the middle of a room, wondering why I walked in there in the first place. Or how often I’ve forgotten simple things like where I left my keys, or what I was supposed to pick up from the grocery store.

This forgetfulness wasn’t usual for me, and at first, I brushed it off as just being distracted. But then I realized – this was a sign of my emotional exhaustion.

Emotional exhaustion can cloud your mind, making it hard for you to concentrate or remember things. If you’re finding yourself more forgetful than usual, it might be because you’re emotionally drained.

3) Your resilience is low

Under normal circumstances, you’re able to handle life’s ups and downs with grace and fortitude. But lately, even the smallest setback feels like a mountain you can’t climb. This could be a sign that you’re emotionally exhausted.

Resilience, or mental toughness, is our ability to bounce back from adversity. When we’re emotionally exhausted, our resilience takes a hit, and we find it harder to recover from challenges.

In my book, The Art of Resilience: A Practical Guide to Developing Mental Toughness, I delve into the strategies and techniques that can help you build and maintain resilience, even in the face of emotional exhaustion.

If you find your resilience waning, it might be time to take a closer look at your emotional health. And perhaps my book could provide some helpful insights on the road to recovery.

4) You’re isolating yourself

There was a time when invitations to social events were exciting, a source of joy. But lately, the thought of being around people is more exhausting than energizing. Turning down invitations has become the norm rather than the exception.

Isolation is a common response to emotional exhaustion. It’s easier to avoid social interactions than to put on a facade of happiness or energy that just isn’t there. But this isolation only serves to deepen the feelings of exhaustion, creating a vicious cycle.

Now if you’re finding yourself more withdrawn and isolated, it could be a sign that you’re emotionally drained. Breaking this cycle takes effort, but reaching out for help is the first step towards feeling better.

5) You’re overcompensating with positivity

It might sound odd, but an over-the-top positive attitude can actually be a sign of emotional exhaustion. It’s almost like you’re trying to convince yourself that everything is fine, even when it’s not.

This forced positivity can feel like a protective shield, keeping the world from seeing how tired you truly are. But underneath that cheery exterior, you might be struggling to keep it all together.

Being honest about your emotional state is the first step towards healing.

6) You’re easily irritated

Lately, even small inconveniences seem to set you off. The car in front of you is driving too slow, your coffee order is wrong, or your computer takes a few extra seconds to load – these minor annoyances make your blood boil.

This heightened irritability can be a sign of emotional exhaustion. When you’re already emotionally depleted, it’s easy for small things to tip the scales and trigger disproportionate reactions.

Seeing that your patience is thinner than usual and that you’re snapping more often, it might be time to address the underlying emotional exhaustion.

7) You’re experiencing physical symptoms

Headaches, stomachaches, and other unexplained physical symptoms can be a telltale sign of emotional exhaustion. Your body has a way of communicating what your mind is going through, often in the form of physical discomfort.

If you’ve been feeling physically unwell without a clear cause, it might be your body’s way of telling you that you’re emotionally drained.

Paying attention to these signals is crucial for your overall well-being.

Final thoughts: It’s all about awareness

Understanding our behaviors and the reasons behind them is a journey that requires self-reflection and honesty. Emotional exhaustion, often overlooked, has a profound impact on our actions and our well-being.

These seven signs are telltale indicators that you might be emotionally drained. From neglecting self-care to experiencing physical symptoms, these behaviors are your mind and body’s way of signaling that something’s off.

In my book, The Art of Resilience: A Practical Guide to Developing Mental Toughness, I delve into strategies for managing emotional exhaustion and building resilience. Understanding these signs is the first step, but knowing how to navigate through them is equally crucial.

Emotional exhaustion doesn’t have to define you. With increased awareness and the right tools, you can navigate through this challenging period, reclaim your resilience, and find your way back to emotional health. Remember, it’s okay to reach out for help.

You’re not alone in this journey.