Why Do I Feel Tired and Empty on the Inside?
Feeling tired and empty on the inside is a yucky feeling I don’t wish on anyone. But sometimes we get there when we are not happy with the circumstances in our life.
I felt this way when I was newly sober and then again when I was newly divorced. I came to discover overtime the reason why I felt this way was because I wasn’t taking care of myself. I was last on my priority list.
As women, we have a tendency to play Superwomen. We tend to everyone else’s needs but not to our own. What I have come to learn overtime is that I need to take care of myself first and then the needs of others. This is totally opposite of how most women were raised and society’s view of women as caretakers.
Some may be thinking: “Isn’t that a bit selfish?”
Yes and let me explain why it’s good to be selfish with your time.
What I know today is that if I don’t take care of myself physically, I don’t have another effective way to minimize stress in my life. It minimizes stress coming out sideways; like being impatient with my daughter when we’re trying to rush out the door. Also, exercise gives me endurance and energy … I can do more in my life.
For me, taking care of myself mentally is reading a book or playing a game of Suduko. I need to make time for what keeps me mentally stimulated and is enjoyable. I find it keeps me focused on getting done in the evening around the house; because I know I will have some of my mental downtime for about 20 minute of time each night.
Sharing with Grand Dude or a girlfriend about what is going on in my life is how I take care of myself emotionally. This is the great stuff that goes on in my life and the not so great stuff. Although I may not get any answers to the problem I’m dealing with at the moment. A problem shared is half a problem. This ensures that I don’t stuff my feelings deep inside. For me this is most evident by sound sleeping patterns; I rarely wake up in the middle of the night.
Taking care of myself spiritually finds me having a quiet time each morning for prayer or meditation. It centers me, grounds me and reconnects me with The Big Guy. It is part of my daily routine of getting ready in the morning.
Some people reading this may say to themselves; I don’t have the time. What I can tell you from my own personal experience; is that when I make myself a priority in my life. I am energized, a lot happier to be around and can accomplish more in less time.
Tags: Feeling tired, taking care of self
Leave A Reply (4 comments so far)
Jules
269 days ago
Debbi I’ve been thinking this past week it is way past time that I look after myself physically. My life is full in other areas and I’m excited and I’m at peace at the same time
but I can hear and feel my body. And it’s not in it’s finest form – and you’ve reminded me again of being healthy in all areas or we can’t fully live. That’s what it’s shown me, if one of those areas are missing, we can’t FULLY live. Thanks for the great reminder of living full! Mentally, emotionally, spiritually AND physically. Thanks Debbi, great read. ~ Jules
Debbi
269 days ago
Jules you are quite welcomed. Yes, all aspects of our well being need to be attended to for whole well-being.
Diane
336 days ago
Hi Debbie, I really liked what you said, ” A problem shared, is half a problem ” That’s been the biggest problem, in my Marriage, for 35 Yrs. I read your article, and said to myself, ” This is how you feel everyday, tired & Empty!! I’m so sick of feeling tired and Empty.. And my second thought, your not Divorced.. third thought, ” How would you then feel, if you were Divorced, could it be any worse than, how I feel today?? I so need to do something, instead of nothing. I have Major-Depression, along with Anxiety.. I take Meds for both.. Going on for over 25 Yrs. Just typing that, made me sick to my Stomach. Because honestly, I haven’t gotten any better, only worse.. Your Articles, give me Food for thought.. I know, I’m the one who needs to take charge.. Nobody else, can.. So you became Sober, and seem to be content with your Life, after your Divorse.. I commend you on that.. I really envy you, for realizing, the life you were living, while you were Married, for the last 8 Yrs. was just lonely, and putting on that fake smile, for friends, and family, was wrong.. I have to lighten up my Sob-Story a little… I just thought of this,” My situation is the opposite, of the one you were living ” I have always carried my feelings, on my shoulders, everybody knows, family, friends, of how I feel” Does that make me a Hipocrite?? If I’m so miserabel, why can’t I just move on?? I wish someone, would just give me a Push, a big Push.. Now who could that person be??? And this thought, just popped into my Head… You Diane, only you !! Thanks again, for your Articles, they make me feel, not so alone out here!!!!
Debbi
336 days ago
Diane – You are correct. YOU are the one who needs to give yourself a push. And that is called Courage. My definition of Courage is to feel the fear and do it anyway. If don’t know if you’re in my database or not; but would suggest you get the 5-day video program if you already haven’t … you’ll receive my blogs right to your inbox. I will also be offering up some services in July that will be announced at that point; so you can get that information. If you want to discuss some coaching to help you, let me know.
Life is meant to be LIVED; so start living.
Much Love,
Debbi