What Kind of Tired Are You?

A lot of people are “tired.” But what does that really mean?

We often throw around the word “tired” like its a diagnosis whose remedy is rest.

But sometimes fatigue is evidence that we need something else entirely.

“Tired” is a symptom of something else, not the end condition.

Different Types of “Tired”

There are different types of “fatigue.” Here are some of them.

• Physical fatigue results from insufficient rest or too much work.
• Cognitive fatigue results from decisions, information, planning, and reading.
• Emotional fatigue stems from unresolved conflict or carrying frustration, worry, grief, or uncertainty.
• Social fatigue results from constant interactions with people who drain you, surface level conversations, or too many low-stakes and low-depth interaction.
• Relational fatigue occurs when we’re constantly arguing or not on the same page as our partner.
• Spiritual fatigue shows up when we are spending too much time on things that don’t feel feel meaningful.

Rest Isn’t Always the Answer

The general prescription for fatigue is to rest. But rest isn’t always the right solution.

The solution for fatigue is not the same across the board. Different types of fatigue require different interventions.

You may indeed need rest or more sleep.

But you also may benefit from a workout, a conversation with a friend, a day off from work, finding a deeper meaning in your work, or better defining your purpose.

Ask a Better Question

Most people ask:

“How do I get more energy?”

The better question is:

“What kind of fatigue am I experiencing?”