Do you ever feel exhausted, even after a full night’s sleep, or find yourself dragging through the day without knowing why?
If low energy seems to follow you around for no clear reason, you’re not alone.
Many people struggle with unexplained fatigue, and while it’s easy to brush it off as part of a busy life, it often points to deeper issues beneath the surface.
Psychology and health experts suggest that persistent tiredness can show up in subtle ways—through your habits, mindset, and daily behaviors.
In this article, we’ll explore eight common behaviors displayed by people who constantly feel tired and low-energy, even when it seems like they shouldn’t be:
1) They tend to skip meals
People who often feel tired and low on energy might find themselves skipping meals.
It’s not that they’re purposefully trying to starve themselves, but rather, their lethargy often makes even the simplest tasks seem daunting—including eating.
Eating regularly is essential for maintaining your energy levels.
When we eat, our bodies break down the food and use it as a source of energy.
If we’re not eating regularly, our bodies can struggle to produce the energy we need to get through the day.
But when you’re feeling constantly tired, the effort to prepare a meal and even eat can feel overwhelming.
This can lead to irregular eating habits or even skipping meals altogether.
2) They often have disrupted sleep patterns
I remember a time when I found myself constantly feeling tired and low on energy, despite getting what I thought was plenty of sleep.
It took me a while to realize that it wasn’t just about the amount of sleep, but the quality and consistency of it.
I would stay up late, working on my laptop or watching TV shows, and then sleep in on the weekends to “catch up”.
This irregular pattern disrupted my natural sleep-wake cycle, or circadian rhythm, and left me feeling perpetually drained.
Once I started prioritizing regular sleep patterns – going to bed and waking up at the same time each day—my energy levels started to improve significantly.
3) They tend to isolate themselves
People who are constantly feeling tired and low-energy often find themselves withdrawing from social activities.
It’s not necessarily that they don’t enjoy the company of others, but rather, they simply don’t have the energy to engage.
In my book, “Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego”, I discuss how our energy levels can significantly impact our social interactions.
When we’re low on energy, even the thought of socializing can feel overwhelming.
This can lead to a cycle of isolation, where the less we interact with others, the more drained we feel, and the less inclined we are to reach out.
However, human connection is vital for our well-being.
It’s important to make an effort to stay connected with your loved ones, even when you’re feeling low.
If you’re guilty of this habit, start taking small steps towards maintaining your social connections.
Every step counts towards improving your overall energy levels.
4) They frequently experience brain fog
Brain fog is a common symptom for those who constantly feel tired and low on energy.
It’s that hazy, dazed feeling where you can’t seem to think clearly or focus on tasks at hand.
From a psychological perspective, this makes perfect sense.
When our bodies are low on energy, our brains often struggle to function optimally.
Tasks that would usually require minimal effort can suddenly feel like climbing a mountain.
The key to combating brain fog is understanding its root cause.
Are you not getting enough sleep? Are you skipping meals? Are you stressed?
Identifying the underlying issue can help you address it effectively.
5) They are often busy, yet unproductive
It might seem counter-intuitive, but those who constantly feel tired and low on energy often try to push themselves to be busy.
They fill their schedule with tasks, errands, and commitments in an attempt to fight off the lethargy.
The problem is, being constantly busy doesn’t necessarily equate to being productive. In fact, it can often lead to burnout – a state of chronic physical and mental exhaustion.
What’s needed isn’t more busyness, but more efficiency.
The key is learning how to prioritize tasks and focus on what really matters.
This way, you can accomplish more while spending less energy.
As psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi states in his book, Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience, “The mark of a person who is in control of consciousness is the ability to focus attention at will.”
Learning to focus your energy on important tasks can help you manage your energy levels more effectively.
6) They struggle with negative thoughts
People who constantly feel tired and low on energy often battle negative thoughts.
They may feel overwhelmed, underappreciated, or burdened.
These negative thoughts can be draining, further depleting their energy levels.
Negative thinking can become a vicious cycle.
The more tired you are, the more negative your thoughts become, and the more negative your thoughts become, the more tired you feel.
Breaking free from this cycle involves cultivating a positive mindset and practicing self-compassion.
It’s essential to remember that it’s okay to feel tired and it’s okay to take a break when needed.
7) They tend to neglect self-care
Feeling constantly tired and low on energy can lead to neglecting self-care.
This could involve:
- Skipping exercise
- Eating unhealthy foods
- Not taking time to relax and unwind
I found myself in this situation a few years back; my energy levels were so low that even the thought of self-care seemed like too much effort.
However, neglecting self-care often exacerbates the issue.
Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and time for relaxation are crucial for maintaining our energy levels.
When I started making time for self-care—whether it was a short walk in the park, cooking a healthy meal, or taking some time each day to meditate—I noticed a significant boost in my energy levels.
8) They often feel overwhelmed
Feeling overwhelmed is a common trait among those who constantly feel tired and low-energy.
The never-ending to-do lists, the pressures of work, and the demands of daily life can all pile up, leading to a sense of overwhelming fatigue.
When we’re overwhelmed, we often feel like we’re being pulled in multiple directions at once.
This can take a significant toll on our energy levels.
The key to managing this feeling is to take one step at a time:
- Break down large tasks into smaller, manageable pieces.
- Prioritize your tasks and focus on one thing at a time.
Psychologist Carl Jung once said, “Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes.”
By looking inside and understanding our feelings of being overwhelmed, we can take steps towards managing our energy levels more effectively.
The bottom line: It could be more than just lifestyle
Feeling constantly tired and low-energy can be frustrating, especially when there seems to be no obvious cause.
But it’s crucial to remember that your energy is a reflection of both your physical and mental well-being.
Stress, anxiety, or depression can significantly impact your energy levels.
The interplay between our physical health and mental well-being is a topic I dive into in my book, “Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego“.
Constant fatigue could also be a sign of underlying physical conditions such as thyroid issues or anemia.
If you’ve made changes to your lifestyle and still find yourself feeling constantly tired and low on energy, it might be worth seeking professional medical advice.
By being mindful of the behaviors that contribute to fatigue, you can take proactive steps to restore your vitality and live with more energy, focus, and fulfillment.
Your body and mind are telling you something—now is the time to listen and take action!
