eight things you don’t realize are draining you

Sometimes life feels sluggish and flat. There isn’t anything exciting going on, and you constantly feel tired. 

You know there’s something wrong, but can’t put your finger on it. Maybe it’s the extra drink you had last night, or maybe you didn’t get enough sleep.

We tend to always say we’re tired without actually making changes or investigating the proper reason for us feeling drained. 

I don’t want you to move through the motions and the day to day of life, without feeling like you’re actually living. 

If you’ve been feeling drained lately, I want you to know it shouldn't be the new norm for you. And there are small things that are draining you that you may not even realize you can fix. 

Here are eight things you don’t realize are draining you, and let us know in the comments if you resonate with any of them!

things you don’t realize are draining you

negative & pessimistic energy 

Negativity is one of the most draining things in the world. It takes away your hope and leaves you questioning why bother. 

Negative and pessimistic energy can come from people who you should maybe reconsider how big of a role they have in your life.

If you’re constantly surrounded by negative energy, you’ll be more likely to absorb that and let it affect your own life. 

And if the negativity and pessimism is coming from within, challenge those thoughts because the constant flow of bad feelings and emotions is certain to drain you. 

alcohol & other substances

Alcohol and other substances may feel good in the moment, but it adds up.  

You go to sleep, and you’re still exhausted in the morning. You take a nap after indulging, and suddenly the whole day is gone. You’re constantly in a sluggish state. 

So although it may feel good in the moment, it’s dehydrating you, weakening your immune system and leaving you in a worse state once you’re sober.

procrastination

I may be the biggest procrastinator. It’s a “problem” I can’t seem to shake because it mostly always ends up working in my favor. 

But that doesn’t mean it feels good to procrastinate.

It can feel heavy and daunting to know you have tasks to do and feel like you don’t have the motivation or capacity to do it yet. It’s draining to be overwhelmed by your to-do lists. 

Sometimes it’s just better to get things out the way, or at least start on something that’s stressing you out. It’ll take a little weight off your shoulder, and free up time and mental space for other things you want or need to do. 

screen time & bright lights

When was the last time you checked your screen time? I’ll give you a second. 

Our phones (and other devices) will be the death of us because they are so addicting and mess with our brain chemistry.

The negative content and bright lights right before you go to sleep and when you wake up in the morning can not be good for us. 

Try to limit your screen time around sleep, when you’re feeling anxious or down, after you’ve had a long day, etc. Devices are known to drain your energy, and we tend to ignore the negative consequences of them. 

dreading work right after you leave

I don’t like going into work as much as the next person, and I often find myself dreading going in the next day. 

It’s daunting, and it doesn’t feel like we get enough time to ourselves to decompress after a long day. It feels like we get a couple hours to do necessities, and then it’s time to clock in again. 

That vicious cycle can drain you. It can leave you rushing life and only living for the weekend. Instead, try to find small things you can incorporate into your routine to allow you to enjoy the work week a little more. 

poor sleep & health habits

You can’t outrun poor sleep. It’ll always come back to hit you. Think about how awful and sluggish you feel after pulling an allnighter or barely getting any sleep after a restless night. 

Now imagine how constantly not receiving adequate sleep, yet thinking you’ll be fine with coffee or another pick me up, can drain you. 

Sleep and other healthy habits, such as consuming nutritious foods and receiving the necessary medicines and vitamins you need, are so important for your energy levels. 

constant arguments & disagreements

Whenever I have disagreements or arguments with my friends, loved ones, coworkers, etc., it always feels sucky and drains me emotionally. It doesn’t matter if I’m in the right or wrong, the act of being upset and expressing that is draining. 

You should speak up for yourself and disagree/argue when appropriate! I’m all for vocalizing issues you have if it makes sense to. 

But I don’t think you should keep having the same arguments, if nothing is changing.

I don’t think you should surround yourself around someone you’re constantly having problems with because that will only drain your energy and deplete your emotional battery. 

people pleasing

Most of us want to be liked by others. That’s just human nature. But the constant pressure and internal need to want other people to be happy with you is very draining. 

You stop doing what you want, and put other people’s needs ahead of yours. With that mindset, you’re more likely to neglect the rest and health you should give yourself.

Stop letting people drain your energy, and don’t let people have a higher priority in your life than you have for yourself.