Is Your Anxiety Making You Physically Tired?

No matter the source, anxiety is a bummer – and it can be harmful to your physical health – not just your mind. If you feel constantly tired, regardless of sleeping a solid eight hours, your anxiety could be manifesting itself physically (blame your body’s fight-or-flight response). Here are some warning signs that your stressors are draining your energy.

Sleep Doesn’t Make a Difference

A classic sign of anxiety is oversleeping yet still feeling tired. Since your sympathetic nervous system is triggered when you feel anxious, there is a physical response that requires energy, thus making you feel more tired. More sleep might help a little, but when it doesn’t, it’s time for you to seek help from a doctor.

Stomach Issues

Do you get hit with bouts of nausea when under stress? You’re not alone. Stomach pain is a common side effect of anxiety. Something else to watch out for is your appetite. A sudden change could signal worsening anxiety. If your stomach issues persist, it’s best to speak with your doctor.

Burnout

If you’re moving too fast or working too hard, you could feel extra tired due to the constant anxiety associated with it. To combat fatigue from burnout, just slow down. Try detoxing from chores or your phone for a day or two. Get some rest instead!

Excessive Emotion

While we all have off days, excessive emotion can be a sign that anxiety is wearing you down physically. If you’re feeling depressed or you can’t seem to hold back tears, it’s time to talk about it. Reach out to a trusted friend or family member or consider seeing a therapist who can provide healthy ways to control anxious emotions.

Brain Fog

Where’s my phone again? What time was that meeting? Am I making a mistake right now? If you find yourself living in an abnormal state of confusion or a general feeling of being off or “out of it,” you may be experiencing brain fog, a common symptom of anxiety. To combat the feeling, set aside time to unwind by meditating, exercising, reading a book, or doing another activity you enjoy.

Anxiety can take a considerable toll on both your mental and physical health. If you are battling any of these signs (or other physical signs that might signal ongoing anxiety), talk to a doctor about your options for healing your mind and body.