There are many reasons for feeling tired. It doesn’t necessarily mean something is wrong with you. Mainstream culture says we should be energetic all the time. And happy. But that’s an ironically impoverished prescription that misses so much about the life of the soul.
That said, if you feel down all the time for extended periods, and don’t experience ups along with downs, it may be time to seek some help and make some changes. Just be careful about trying to fix or rise above something that can’t be fixed, or shouldn’t be except by honoring it.
The first cause most consider is physiological: am I anemic, low in vitamins or minerals, is it parasites, a virus I picked up, or an undetected infection? This is a good place to start, if only to rule out physical causes, which can cause more problems.
Many times, however, it has nothing to do with physical markers. You may be tired because you are mourning, and you may not even know it. Maybe it’s environmental, pollution in your home or neighborhood that gives you the blues. Maybe it’s winter and it’s natural to be more inward and subdued. Maybe it’s the trajectory of the world that’s bringing you down. Maybe it’s just a time to be fallow, to rejuvenate and rest because, for whatever reason, you have been through a taxing time that you may not fully appreciate.
Here are some other potential causes for fatigue, and many are often present simultaneously:
Being in grief
Lack of sleep
Feeling a lack of meaning and purpose
Depression or anxiety
Lack of social engagement
Sleep issues, including insomnia and sleep apnea
Being too hot or cold
Quitting coffee or tea
Compassion/empathy/anger burnout
Going out too much
Over-exercising
Under-exercising
Quitting cocaine
Inappropriate diet
A recent break-up
Suffering an injury
Having surgery
Too much stress
Bullying, racism, poverty
Living in the city
Thyroid and/or adrenal issues
Changing medication regimen
Lacking creativity in your life
Overworking
+ more
