Embracing the Feeling of Being Depleted: A Journey Towards Renewal

Jun 25

In a world that constantly demands our attention, energy, and time, feeling depleted is a common experience many of us face. Whether it’s due to work pressures, personal commitments, or the relentless pace of modern life, reaching a point of exhaustion can feel overwhelming. However, this state of depletion isn't just a signal of our limitations; it can also be an invitation to pause, reflect, and rejuvenate.

Depletion manifests in various forms: physical fatigue, emotional burnout, and mental exhaustion. Physically, you might feel persistently tired, lacking the energy to perform daily tasks. Emotionally, you could experience a sense of detachment, irritability, or even apathy. Mentally, your focus might wane, making it difficult to concentrate or make decisions.

At the beginning of 2024, I set a goal to read 12 books. One a month for the entire year. I love to listen to podcasts and when there is a guest who has released a new book that sparks my interest, I order it! All these books are stacked on my nightstand for me to see each night before I go to bed. Generally, I read a chapter or two before going to sleep.

In January, I read Everybody Always by Bob Goff and then in February I read Rooted by Banning Liebscher. I was off to a great start!

But then March rolled around, I got an occipital migraine headache and it lasted for over 35 days hence I was unable to read a book. To be honest, I kinda lost my mojo, you know my desire. I picked up three or four books and read a few chapters, but nothing was speaking to me.

June arrived and it was time to go on vacation. I was not only excited for some time away, but I was also ready to pick up a book! So, I packed two books and tried and tried and tried to start one and then the other. But it just wasn’t clicking.

One afternoon, I decided to go out to the pool. I took my books and my air pods. I put in my air pods, turned on my soothing music and picked up a book. Nothing. I read the same page over and over and over. I closed the book and frankly I was frustrated! I love to read and couldn’t figure out what I was wrong!

Then I heard that still small voice say “sit back, relax, look up.” When I did, I saw the blue sky, a few puffy clouds, and the palm leaves waving in the breeze.

It. Was. Beautiful.

That’s when it hit me, something was different, I didn’t have the desire to read. A friend of mine mentioned that a coach told her that she was depleted. Wait, what? I related to that. Webster’s meaning of depleted is “used up” or “nothing left”.

Some signs of being depleted are persistent tiredness, insomnia, lack of motivation, decision making fatigue, hard to concentrate, emotional numbness, physical symptoms like headaches, muscle tension or frequent illness.

A few ways that I am in the process of replenishing myself are prioritizing my rest, creating boundaries for work, fueling my body with balanced meals, vitamins and minerals. Also, making sure to schedule regular chiropractic care, massage therapy, and exercise when I have the energy. Don’t hesitate to seek professional help if you need it.

Feeling depleted is a natural response to the demands placed on us, but it’s also an opportunity to reassess and realign our lives. By acknowledging our limits and taking proactive steps to care for ourselves, we can transform depletion from a state of exhaustion to a catalyst for growth and renewal. Remember, self-care is not a luxury but a necessity for a balanced and fulfilling life.