The Pace We Keep
In today’s fast-paced world, many of us live in a constant state of motion. We juggle meetings, deadlines, flights, and responsibilities—often across time zones and cultures. For those managing multiple responsibility the pressure to stay sharp and composed is relentless.
We wake up early, respond to messages late into the night, and push through fatigue because we believe it’s what leadership demands. We tell ourselves, “Just one more task,” or “I’ll rest after this project,” until tiredness becomes a background hum we no longer notice.
But here’s the truth: even the most capable, driven people need rest.
And acknowledging that need isn’t weakness—it’s wisdom
In every interaction—whether with people we meet frequently or only occasionally—we often receive a familiar question: “How are you?”
Most of the time, we respond with a simple “I’m okay” or “I’m fine,” even when we might be feeling tired, overwhelmed, or struggling internally.
This common exchange reflects how we often mask our true emotions, choosing politeness or simplicity over vulnerability. We can say that this happens for a few reasons:
Why We Say, “I’m Okay” Even When We’re Not
• Social Habit
It’s a reflex. We’re taught to be polite and keep things light, especially in casual or public settings.
• Fear of Burdening Others
We might worry that being honest will make others uncomfortable or feel like we’re “too much.”
• Not Fully Aware Ourselves
Sometimes we don’t realize how tired or drained we are until we stop and reflect.
• Pressure to Stay Strong
In many cultures, there’s an unspoken rule that showing vulnerability is a sign of weakness. But it’s not.
What Can We Do Instead?
You don’t have to share everything with everyone—but you can be gentle and honest in small ways:
- “I’m a bit tired today, but I’m managing.”
- “It’s been a long week, but I’m hanging in there.”
- “Thanks for asking—I’m feeling a little low energy.”
These responses are truthful, human, and still respectful of the moment.
They can serve not only as a way to express how you feel, but also as a gentle reminder to yourself—and even as a form of affirmation.
By acknowledging your state with kindness, you’re giving yourself permission to feel, to pause, and to care.
Why It Matters
Being honest about your tiredness will
• Help you connect more deeply with others.
• Gives others permission to be real too.
• Reminds you that you don’t have to carry everything alone.
Tiredness as a Human Being: A Natural Signal, NOT a Weakness
Is It Normal to Feel Tired?
Yes—tiredness is a normal and essential part of being human. It’s your body and mind’s way of saying, “I need rest, recovery, or change.” Just like hunger signals the need for food, tiredness signals the need for balance.
Where Does Tiredness Come from and Why Do We Feel Tired?
Tiredness can come from many sources—and sometimes, we don’t even realize it until we pause and ask ourselves.
Let’s take a moment to reflect. Ask yourself: Where is my tiredness coming from today?
For me, I’ve found a few answers—some I’m fully aware of, and others I’ve only recently noticed. In sharing with friends, I’ve noticed that fatigue tends to surface in these areas, whether we realize it or not:
Physical Fatigue
• From long commutes, extended work hours, frequent flights, relentless schedules, prolonged standing, or sitting for too long.
Mental Fatigue
• From constant decision-making, overthinking, problem-solving, or learning new things under pressure.
Emotional Fatigue
• From carrying stress, navigating uncertainty, managing relationships, or holding in unspoken feelings.
Lifestyle Fatigue
• From poor sleep, irregular meals, lack of movement, coffee addict or too much screen time
Sometimes, we’re not even aware of what’s causing our fatigue. It creeps in quietly, especially when we ignore our own needs or push ourselves too hard.
In today’s digital and AI-driven era, there are many tools—like smartwatches and wristbands—that help us monitor our physical condition and understand our level of tiredness. These devices track indicators such as heart rate variability, sleep quality, and activity levels, offering valuable insights into how our body is coping.
But the most important tool of all is your own awareness. No matter how advanced the technology, nothing replaces the ability to truly listen to your body.
How Should We Face Tiredness?
Facing tiredness isn’t just about sleeping more—it’s about listening to yourself and responding with care:
1. Pause and Reflect
Ask yourself:
• Am I physically exhausted?
• Am I emotionally drained?
• Am I mentally overloaded?
Understanding the source helps you respond wisely.
2. Rest Intentionally
• Take short breaks.
I took a quick moment to walk into another room, have short chats with colleagues, or simply stand up and shake out my arms.
• Get quality sleep.
Though it’s often a challenge, I make an effort to fit in brisk walks—knowing they help me sleep better at night
• Disconnect from screens and noise.
It’s getting harder to avoid the pull, but the truth is, we’re the ones holding the reins. I’ve come to realize—it’s all in our hands. If we choose to stop, we can. If we choose to keep scrolling, that’s easy too. The decision is ours. And that awareness? It’s quietly powerful.
The phone doesn’t force itself into our hands; the scroll doesn’t start without a tap. It’s weird how something so small can build momentum so quickly, until it feels like we’re being carried by it instead of choosing it.
But the flip side is liberating. If we’re the ones giving permission, we can also take it back. The moment we decide not to check, not to react, not to keep going—that’s when the current slows.
It’s not always easy, but the power doesn’t lie in willpower alone. Sometimes it’s about creating little friction: putting the phone in another room, choosing presence over reaction, even inviting silence in like an old friend. Not as punishment, but as a kind reset.
3. Nourish Your Body and Mind
• Move your body gently.
• Do something joyful or calming.
4. Seek Support if Needed
If tiredness persists, don’t carry it alone. Talk to someone—a trusted friend, a good listener, or someone who brings positive energy into your life.
Sometimes, just being heard can lighten the emotional load. But it’s also important to choose the right person.
Not everyone is equipped to hold space for your vulnerability. Look for someone who:
- Listens without judgment
- Respects your privacy
- Offers empathy, not just advice
- Leaves you feeling lighter, not drained
Opening up is a powerful step toward healing—but doing so with the right person makes all the difference.
Tiredness Is Not Failure—It’s Feedback
This is a key truth:
Tiredness is not a sign of weakness. It’s a sign of being alive.
It’s your body saying:
“You’ve done enough.”
“You need care.”
“Something needs attention.”
In a world that often glorifies constant productivity, honoring your tiredness is an act of self-respect. It’s a reminder to slow down, to listen, and to heal.
Final Thought
Gentle Reminder for a New Week:
“Feeling tired doesn’t mean you’re failing—it simply means you’re human”
And being human means learning to pause, rest, recharge, and rise again—stronger and more aware than before.
I hope this past weekend gave you the space to slow down, even just a little.
That you found a moment to reconnect with yourself, listen to your body, and do something that brought you peace.
This is also a gentle self-reminder for me.
We all need to remember - “Rest isn’t a luxury—it’s a vital part of being well.”’
Have a great week ahead everyone—and don’t forget to rest, recharge, and take care of you!
Interesting book to be read:
Boundless Energy: The Complete Mind-Body Programme for Beating Persistent Tiredness by Deepak Chopra