Why We Are All So Tired Right Now

I think you can relate when I say I am tired, like bone tired, from the pandemic and the many hardships over the past year.  Anxiety and stress have been steady partners of mine during this pandemic but now I am mostly feeling weary and worn out.  

I thought it was just me but after listening to a podcast by Brene Brown recently, I learned that weariness and exhaustion are rampant right now.  Why?  Because our brains have been constantly bombarded by first times. Like working remotely while homeschooling kids, holidays without families, constantly running a risk analysis around going to the store or running errands in town, being isolated from friends and family, connecting with people primarily through Zoom, the list goes on and on and on.  And then on top of that we are experiencing a racial reckoning that is long overdue and still has a long way to go.

All of these situations are firsts for us...we haven't dealt with any of them before.  And every first, no matter what it is, is uncomfortable because it's new and hard and unknown. 

When our brains are constantly engaged in doing things for the first time, they get tired.  And then our bodies get tired.  

And like our bodies, our brains need rest. 

Here's what Brene recommends to help us through this challenging time and to feel better and more rested:

1. Build rest and recovery time into your schedule.  We need more rest right now so take a nap, go to bed early, sleep in, and create opportunities in your day to be quiet and screen free.
2. Get fit.  This could mean physically, emotionally, spiritually, and/or mentally fit.  Brene asks that you determine where you need to get fit in your life so that you have more resilience.  Do you need more meditation, prayer, alone time, healthier food, music?  Do you need to talk to your friends and family more?  Do you need to give more?  Do you need to move your body more?  What part of you could benefit from being more fit?  Commit to staying fit in this way and you, including your brain and your body, will feel better.

This podcast helped me tremendously to understand why I feel so worn out and how I could feel more rested.  As a result, I am committing to going to bed earlier, sleeping in more, and making more time to do less.

I hope this information was helpful for you too.  If so, let me know what you are inspired to do to help your brain recharge.

Love,

Amanda

P.S. It's not too late to design your 2021!  Join my Brave New Year Retreat to get clear about what you want to do, experience, and give during this new year.  Watch a video about the retreat here.