7 subtle behaviors of an emotionally tired woman, according to psychology

There was a time when I felt emotionally spent.

It’s me, Lachlan Brown, founder of Hack Spirit and an enthusiast of psychology.

You know the feeling:

• Exhaustion
• Irritability
• Apathy
• Difficulty making decisions.

And that constant feeling of being overwhelmed, even by the smallest things.

Just a few years ago, I was battling with these emotions daily.

I was juggling my career, personal life and my passion for psychology, all while trying to keep my sanity intact. The constant stress and pressure left me feeling emotionally drained.

I was that woman who looked fine on the outside but was crumbling within.

But then I stumbled upon these 7 subtle behaviors that psychology identifies in an emotionally tired woman. Recognizing them in myself was a revelation.

In this article, I’ll share these seven behaviors with you. They helped me understand what I was going through and I hope they can help you too.

Let’s get started.

1) Constant fatigue

Without a doubt, the first subtle behavior I noticed was an unshakeable sense of fatigue.

No matter how much sleep I got, it was never enough. I was like a car running on empty, pushing through the day with nothing in the tank.

This wasn’t just physical tiredness; it was emotional, mental, and even spiritual exhaustion. It felt like I was carrying a heavy weight all the time.

Being emotionally tired means more than just feeling sleepy – it’s a deep-seated weariness that seeps into every part of your life.

Psychology explains this as your body’s natural response to prolonged stress. When you’re constantly dealing with emotional strain, it wears you down and leaves you feeling drained.

If you’re noticing this kind of fatigue in yourself, take it as a sign that you need to slow down and take care of your emotional health.

Start with small steps: carve out some time for rest, relaxation, and activities that nourish your soul. It’s not selfish to prioritize your own well-being – in fact, it’s essential.

And remember: it’s okay to ask for help if you need it. There are plenty of resources out there for those who are struggling, so don’t feel like you have to go through this alone.

2) Difficulty making decisions

Next up was something I never expected: difficulty making even the simplest decisions.

I remember one day, standing in a grocery store, staring at the cereal aisle for what felt like an eternity. I was trying to decide between two brands of granola. A decision that should’ve taken seconds felt like an insurmountable task.

This, as I later found out, is a classic sign of emotional exhaustion.

Psychology explains that when we’re emotionally drained, our decision-making abilities are severely impaired. We’re already dealing with so much internally that even the smallest external demands can seem overwhelming.

So if you too are finding it hard to make decisions – big or small – it could well be a sign that you’re emotionally tired.

Remember: it’s okay to step back and give yourself permission to take things slowly.Take some time to nurture this peace within yourself before tackling those decisions waiting for you.

3) Loss of motivation

Another subtle behavior that struck me was the loss of motivation.

There was a time when I was passionate about my work at Hack Spirit, excited about exploring the realms of psychology and sharing my findings with the world. But during this period of emotional exhaustion, I found myself losing interest in things I once loved.

Work projects seemed dull, hobbies didn’t excite me anymore, and even socializing felt like a chore. It was as if a grey cloud had settled over everything, turning my colorful world monochrome.

This loss of motivation is a clear sign of emotional tiredness. When we’re emotionally drained, even the things that would normally bring us joy can seem unappealing.

It’s a tough place to be in, but recognizing this sign is the first step towards recovery.

If you’re also experiencing this, remember it’s okay to take a break. Try not to beat yourself up for feeling this way; it’s simply your body’s way of telling you that you need to rest and recharge.

Take some time for self-care, do things that help you relax and slowly but surely, you’ll start to see color seep back into your world.

4) Increased irritability

The fourth behavior that I noticed was a sudden spike in my irritability.

People around me started walking on eggshells, afraid to say or do something that might set me off. I found myself snapping at loved ones for no apparent reason, which was completely out of character for me.

Emotionally tired individuals are more likely to respond with anger or irritation, even in situations that wouldn’t normally provoke such a reaction.

This increase in irritability is a clear sign that your emotional reserves are running low and you need to take steps to replenish them.

If you’re finding yourself getting irritated more easily than usual, it might be time to take a step back and evaluate your emotional health. Remember, it’s okay to set boundaries and take time for yourself. Your emotional health matters and it’s okay to prioritize it.

5) Neglecting self-care

The fifth subtle behavior that signaled my emotional exhaustion was neglecting self-care.

I stopped taking time for myself, stopped doing the things I loved, stopped eating well, and even stopped exercising. I was so consumed with everything going on around me, that I forgot to take care of myself.

Self-care is crucial for our overall well-being. It’s not just about pampering yourself, it’s about taking time to do things that rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul.

When we’re emotionally tired, we often neglect self-care because it feels like too much effort or we feel guilty for prioritizing ourselves.

But the truth is, you can’t pour from an empty cup. You need to take care of yourself first before you can take care of others or your responsibilities.

If you’re neglecting self-care, it might be a sign you’re emotionally tired. Take some time for yourself. It could be as simple as reading a book, going for a walk, or spending time in nature.

6) Feeling detached

The sixth behavior that I noticed was a creeping sense of detachment.

I remember sitting in a room full of my friends and loved ones, yet feeling completely disconnected. Like I was there physically, but not emotionally or mentally.

This feeling of being detached or disconnected from your surroundings and the people in your life is another subtle sign of emotional exhaustion.

If you’re feeling detached, it might mean you’re emotionally tired and need to reconnect with yourself.

It’s okay to take some time out for introspection. Reflect on your feelings and emotions. Try to understand what’s causing this sense of disconnection.

7) Overcompensating by being overly cheerful

The final subtle sign of emotional exhaustion might surprise you: overcompensation by being overly cheerful.

This was a shocker for me too. I thought being emotionally tired would mean being constantly sad or irritable. But sometimes, it manifests as the opposite.

I found myself putting on a happy face, laughing a little too loud, and being excessively upbeat in social situations. It was as if I was trying to convince myself and everyone else that I was fine.

Psychology explains this as a defense mechanism. When we’re emotionally drained, we may try to hide our true feelings by portraying an excessively cheerful exterior.

So if you find yourself trying a little too hard to seem happy and upbeat, it could be a sign that you’re emotionally tired.

Here’s a practical tip: Start journaling. It’s a wonderful way to express your feelings without fear of judgment. Write about your day, your feelings, your fears, and your hopes. You’ll be surprised how therapeutic it can be to see your thoughts and feelings on paper.

Remember: It’s okay not to be okay all the time. Embrace your emotions, even the not-so-pleasant ones. They’re all part of the human experience.

Conclusion

Recognizing these seven subtle behaviors in yourself can be a wake-up call that you’re emotionally tired. It’s important to remember that we all go through periods of emotional exhaustion, and it’s okay to not be okay.

The key is to take action: slow down, prioritize self-care, and seek help if you need it. Remember, it’s not a sign of weakness to ask for help; it’s a sign of strength.

Take some time each day to check in with yourself and your emotions. Listen to what your body is telling you. And most importantly, be kind to yourself. You’re human, and it’s okay to have off days.

Remember: Emotional health is just as important as physical health. Take care of it, and it will take care of you.

After all, self-care isn’t selfish; it’s a necessity.