Worn Slap Out

Are you exhausted just this side of dog tired?  Do you have low energy and a strong desire to sleep even during the day?  You may feel overwhelmed with the activities of life, and it seems you are burning the candle of life at both ends.  The old saying, “worn slap out” may fit your current mood.

Exhaustion can be both physical and mental.  Physically you may experience muscle weakness, headaches and difficulty just moving your body.  Mentally you cannot concentrate, and you become irritable with mood swings without cause.  You are likely to be more forgetful and find it difficult to cope with daily life.  When exhaustion takes over, you do not eat healthy foods because you are too tired to make meals, so you just eat whatever you find that is easy and you usually overload on carbs and sweets which may give you a boost then plummets you making you even more tired.

Exhaustion comes from many situations and is caused by a variety of life issues.  Sometimes you may accept too many responsibilities and feel overwhelmed that you cannot complete them.  Other times, the burdens, struggles and traumas of life leave you exhausted without hope of finding light at the end of the tunnel.  Exhaustion can come from physical issues and illnesses.  It also comes from mentally carrying an emotional load from grief, loss, disappointments, addictions, family situations, and the list is endless.

To take steps forward from being worn slap out, start with the things you can change.  Make your physical body a priority.  Stay hydrated and drink water throughout the day.  Eat smaller meals and buy healthier pre-made foods that are quick to grab like fruits, vegetables, and some type of protein.  Try taking short walks and getting up every hour from your chair.  Focus on changing your physical routine and taking care of yourself.

There is a difference between being tired and being exhausted.  Being tired is temporary and can usually be resolved through rest.  Exhaustion is chronic and has underlying causes and impacts your daily living.  You are carrying a load that you were not meant to carry alone.  Mental and emotional exhaustion can also make you physically tired.  It is not your responsibility to fix every situation and absorb the emotions of those around you.

You may be a caregiver who is exhausted.  You are processing the emotions of the changes of another person and each step and decline seems overwhelming.  It is never ending.  It is seeking support and help.  You do not need to be a lone ranger.  It is changing your routine and creating new ways of coping and new solutions that include a support system.

You may become exhausted because you are trying to do something that is not your passion or your talent.  You may need to admit that you cannot keep doing what you have been doing.  You are hurting yourself.  It was good for a while, but now it just wears you slap out.  Stop.  Give yourself some rest.  Refresh yourself.  You are not helping anyone if you are exhausted.  You will make more mistakes and not be a pleasant person.  Give yourself a break.  You may need someone to help you brainstorm other ways to accomplish what needs to be done. 

Elaine J. Sturtz

Living In The Different