Have you ever slept for 6–8 hours but wake up feeling more tired than you were before sleeping? Or you’ve probably experienced unexplained dizziness, blurred vision, aches, pains, migraines, nausea, gastrointestinal issues, or tension headache without any identifiable medical reason. Yes? Then your body may be calling your attention to something.
Stress-inducing activities characterize the typical day of most adults. It is very easy to get caught up in different activities at a time. The hectic pace of modern life is draining; however, not all exhaustion is physical. Sometimes, it runs deeper than what we naturally assume. Our struggles may be more mental than physical.
Soul sickness is a thing. Yes, you read that right. Also known as demoralization, soul sickness is characterized by feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, and a perceived sense of incompetence. Like the body, the soul can also get weary. A constant lack of energy can even lead to several chronic illnesses in the long run. But how do you know that your soul is tired? What signs do you look out for? [1]
You feel exhausted physically
When we sleep, we expect to be refreshed and ready to take on the day’s challenges. However, when the soul is exhausted, you will wake up more tired than you were before you slept. It is very easy to attribute this to physical weakness, but it is sometimes deep-rooted than that. When your soul is tired, your body picks up the signals it is giving, hence the depletion of energy. Even when you do the smallest of chores, you may feel bone-weary like you have spent your day doing tedious work.
Mood swings
When your soul is tired, no middle ground exists when it comes to your emotions. You are either super happy or super sad. You can feel on top of the world this minute, and feel like the worst scum of the earth the next minute. Getting a hang on your emotions will become a big struggle. Slowly, you will see your emotions slipping through your fingers. You may also find yourself conflicting more rather than achieving understanding and peace.
Feeling lonely
Have you ever felt so lonely even when people constantly surround you? Have you felt an overwhelming desire to be by yourself even when you are in a crowd?
Being out of sync with your soul can cause you to feel like nobody out there understands you. It may create unnecessary trust issues that shouldn’t be there in the first instance. You may begin to question the loyalty of people who have stood by you. Suddenly no one genuinely cares for you, and everyone has an ulterior motive.
Feeling disoriented
Do you find yourself getting up to complete a particular chore only to find out that you have forgotten what you were supposed to do? Or do you feel disoriented even when you manage to get up from your bed? Soul fatigue can make it impossible for you to concentrate on anything you are doing. It will undoubtedly leave you confused and unsure of a lot of things that you should know about.
You feel like packing up and running away
Are your thoughts continually about leaving whatever you are doing and running as far away as possible? Do you feel that where you currently are cannot offer you any happiness? Do you wake up each morning with no iota of inspiration? Has going to your job become a struggle for you?
If you feel this way, then your soul may be weary. Like the way your body shuts down when you are physically exhausted, feeling any of these signs is your soul’s way of warning you. Do not ignore them.
What to do if you are experiencing any of the signs mentioned above
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, then you need to consult with a physician or reach out to a loved one. Tell them what’s bothering you and let them help you through this process.
If you are in a toxic relationship, this is the time to leave. It is essential to highlight that our surroundings can have a significant impact on us, both in a good way and vice-versa. Therefore, if your partner influences you in the wrong way, cut them off.
Alternatively, you can take a trip. A change of scenery will do a wealth of good. If you cannot afford to travel, practice self-care by doing things that you’ve always loved. If you love to read, settle to a glass of wine and read as you want. If you like yoga, practice it. Also, exercise and eat healthily.
Finally, look out for the small things. Don’t get immersed in the big things, while forgetting the small ones that should truly matter.
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author. They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of this website or its members. The information contained in this article and the presentation of material therein do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of this website.
Reference
- “Soul sickness: a frequently missed diagnosis.” PubMed. Perakis CR. Accessed March 12,2020.
