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Feeling fed up? -

After years of "grind culture" being seen as something to aspire to, more and more people are feeling burned out and exhausted.

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Feeling fed up? -

Even if you get enough sleep and exercise (and you eat well), you constantly feel tired. This state of exhaustion follows you around everywhere you go, like a dark cloud.

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Seven types of rest -

If you're doing everything right and you still feel tired, chances are your tiredness is more likely to be from a lack of another type of rest.

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Seven types of rest -

The seven types of rest are: physical, emotional, spiritual, mental, creative, social, and sensory rest. If you're not topped up on one of these, things can get out of balance quickly.

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Emotional rest -

When someone is carrying more than their fair share of emotional labor, they begin to feel stifled and as if they can't express their own needs.

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Emotional rest -

This person is usually the caregiver, a person who finds it difficult to say "no." They might always be there for others, at their own expense, without realizing.

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Cutting back -

Emotional rest is what happens when we can cut back on caretaking and people-pleasing. When this occurs, we have space and time to marinade in authentic feelings.

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Running on empty -

If you walk around feeling like it's an active effort to keep your feelings in check, you may be in an emotional rest deficit.

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Running on empty -

When you start to feel grumpy and like life is getting on top of you, it's time to take a break from the emotional stressors of life.

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Accumulated stress -

If you run on empty for long enough, you accumulate so much stress from various areas in your life that doesn't get processed.

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Accumulated stress -

As a result, feeling emotionally worn-out is a normal outcome. You're not alone either: in a 2021 study by the American Psychological Association, 32% of people stated that they were emotionally exhausted.

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Generation gap -

Millennials and Gen Z are more likely to report feelings of stress than their Boomer counterparts, according to one study by Indeed. But are they less stressed, less aware of it, or less likely to report feeling stressed? There's no way of knowing.

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Causes of emotional exhaustion -

There are some common causes of emotional exhaustion, including: financial stress, working at a job you dislike, raising or caregiving for a family, and participating in intense schooling.

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Signs you need emotional rest -

If you notice that you are experiencing feelings of irritability and a lack of motivation, have a general sense of dread, or are suffering from absentmindedness, you probably need emotional rest.

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Recharge -

By cutting back on your stressors, you give yourself a chance to emotionally recharge. This is almost impossible to do if you have too many demands on your time.

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Recharge -

If you feel tired no matter how much sleep you get, it's vital to create space in your life for well-being. Relaxing and rejuvenating your emotions needs to become a priority.

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Where to begin -

One of the first places to begin is to think about activities that give you more energy, rather than taking it away. If you're not 100% sure what these are anymore, it's time to get creative and explore the things that add to your vitality.

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Where to begin -

Practices like journaling, spending time in nature, taking part in activities that bring you joy, or seeking emotional support from loved ones are great places to begin.

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Exercise -

Making time for exercise is one of the best ways to give yourself a shot of happy hormones. Although it might not be appealing if you already feel 'tired,' exercise actually gives you more energy.

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Exercise -

It doesn't have to be a gym session though. A walk in nature, some stretching, or taking part in a class that you enjoy will help take your focus off the demands in your life and recenter your emotions.

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Mindfulness -

Make time in your day for mindfulness. Meditation can help you get back in tune with your own body and emotions, if you've been caring too much for others.

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Mindfulness -

Take a quick 15-minute break to follow a guided meditation, or to just sit in silence and get back in tune with your body. Journal about your emotions to help you work through them.

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Pets -

The unconditional love of a pet can help you recharge. If you've been at your wits' end, make more time for your favorite furry friend.

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Pets -

What's more, pets can help you get back in touch with your playful, silly side. They help reduce feelings of stress, loneliness, and can even improve your cardiovascular health.

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Get in touch with nature -

Getting in touch with nature will help bring you back to the present. If you live in a city, keeping plants at home has been found to reduce stress and lower blood pressure.

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Get in touch with nature -

But if you can, get outside and breathe deeply, paying attention to your surroundings. This will help your nervous system regulate, and turn off the chatter in your head.

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Just be -

Embrace doing nothing. Not every moment of your day has to be productive, and you don't have to be reachable every second. Turn off your notifications and go somewhere relaxing.

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Spend time with people who care -

Connecting with trusted people, who love and care about you, is a great way to combat emotional exhaustion. They can help you feel less alone.

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Spend time with people who care -

Talk to people who understand you don't need them to solve the issue, you just need them to listen. Whether it's a friend or family, reach out. No one can do it all alone!

Sources: (Stylist) (Mind Help) (INTEGRIS Health) 

See also: Your fatigue may be more serious than you think

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