For weeks, I’ve been grappling with a feeling I can’t define. It’s not sadness, but it’s not happiness either - just a lingering exhaustion that even sleep can’t shake Every task feels like a mountain to climb, yet guilt creeps in when I’m not doing anything.
It’s not that I’ve lost interest in everything. I still find comfort in my friends, but when I’m alone, the pressure to be more—to do more—feels overwhelmin.
I’m caught in a paradox: bursting with things I want to do but I can’t seem to muster the energy. A voice in my head asks, What’s the point? Am I just being lazy, or is there something deeper at play?
I’ve always set high expectations for myself, chasing perfection. But lately, it feels like the world is moving forward while I remain stuck, weighed down by something I can’t define.
I’m so lost. I know I’m not doing well - my appetite is all over the place, just like when I’m stressed. But I’m not exactly stressed. I’m struggling to understand what my body is trying to tell me.
Thank you for writing in. I hear you, and I want you to know that what you’re feeling is real. You’re certainly not lazy, and please also know what you shared is surprisingly common. That deep exhaustion—the kind that doesn’t go away with rest, the guilt when you’re not “productive,” the overwhelming pressure to do more but feeling stuck—it sounds like you’re carrying a weight that you don’t quite have the words for yet.
It is fully understandable and only human when you shared that you’re confused. You’re noticing shifts in your body, in your energy, in the way you experience the world, but you can’t pinpoint why. That doesn’t mean there’s nothing wrong; it just means your body and mind are trying to tell you something in a way that words can’t always capture.
This feeling of being stuck, of watching life move forward while you remain in place, is something many people experience—especially those who set high expectations for themselves. When you’ve spent so long pushing yourself, even when exhausted, it can feel disorienting to suddenly not have the energy to keep up. It’s not failure. It’s not weakness. It’s your mind and body asking for care.
May I recommend for you to give yourself permission to pause, even if you don’t feel like you’ve “earned” it. I also believe checking in with a professional could help you understand what’s going on—whether it’s burnout, something deeper, or just a period of transition. You don’t have to figure this out alone, and you don’t have to push through it in silence. There is help available so do reach out.
You are not broken. You are not failing. You’re just in a space that feels unfamiliar right now, but that doesn’t mean you’ll always feel this way. Please be kind to yourself in the meantime. You can get through this.
I’ve been there before–that feeling of exhaustion, but you cannot rest because you feel guilty for not being productive. I’ve seen my peers around me take on projects, be more proactive, going outside and networking–while I’m stuck in my room, lying in bed and wanting to rot all day. And you can’t seem to pinpoint why you feel so lethargic even though you’re barely doing anything.
It could be that I was burnt out, I was lonely, or I was depressed. Either way, my body and mind were not in an optimal state. They shut down. Even when I’m around friends, I still had that gaping hole in my heart that could not be filled with my usual hobbies. Perhaps you are feeling so too.
Rest is also a productive activity. It took me 2 years after graduation to regain my creativity (and medications also helped a lot.)
Sometimes it’s hard to understand ourselves, which is why I believe it’s good to have inputs from other people. Perhaps you can try looking for professional mental health resources, or you can talk to your friends about your problems. I’ve come so far in nurturing my mindset from the advice and encouragements from my good friends and my counsellor.
Hey there, it sounds like you’re going through a lot and stuck in a place you don’t want to be : ( I’ve known many friends who have gone through the same thing and I’ve experienced it a little myself too.
It’s alright, you’re not lazy. It’s probably just your body’s way of telling you that it’s a little tired and would like to complete things at a slower pace. It’s okay to achieve smaller things or at a slower pace. You’re still achieving, and what’s important is that you’re kind to your body and mind.
I’ve got a few suggestions you could try out! Maybe for a little fun when you’re bored or if you really want to give them a go:
Create a Compassionate Routine: Start with one or two small actions each day. When you accomplish even small things, like a quick walk or a few minutes of stretching, it sends a message to your mind that you’ve been productive. That feeling of accomplishment, no matter how small, can be really uplifting. I found this to be the most useful for myself back then—it helped me feel like I was still moving forward, even when everything else felt overwhelming.
Rest Without Guilt: Rest isn’t a luxury; it’s essential. If you’re tired, let yourself rest. No need to earn it or feel guilty. Try to give yourself permission to just be, even if it’s for a few minutes. That break might be the key to feeling recharged. Whether it’s a cup of tea or just lying down for a bit, make it a ritual that’s about honoring your needs.
Journaling: If you’re up for it, write down how you’re feeling—just let your thoughts flow onto the page without needing them to be perfect. It can be a simple sentence or a few paragraphs. Journaling helps you make sense of emotions and might offer some clarity as you reflect. Even on the tough days, writing just a little bit can help you process what’s going on inside.
If you’re unsure of what to journal about, here are some prompts I use for myself daily!
A. rate your emotions from 1(very good) to 5 (very bad)
B. write 3 things you’re greatful for
C. what made you smile today
D. what’s the best thing that happened today
E. what are you looking forward to
I usually feel much lighter afterwards but it took me at least a week to get used to it - it feels a little unnatural at the start!
Take it slow, try what feels comfortable, and remember—you don’t have to have it all figured out right away. It’s okay to move at your own pace
I completely understand how you feel and I have been in this situation a few times before. I think it is great that you have recognised that you are not feeling your best and asked for advice on this. Have you tried just taking things slow and having a few days off to yourself? I think it would be good if you had a few days to chill and do whatever you want without following a plan. Treat yourself, take yourself out to eat, watch Netflix, laze in bed, anything. Just focus on you and what you want in that moment. Remember that it is important to prioritise yourself and your needs. I wish you all the best, I know you will get through this!
