Fatigue—something a quick nap can cure.

This is what most people believe, and for the most part, it is true. A nap or a good night’s sleep is all it takes to feel like yourself again—if it is physical fatigue. But there are more kinds of fatigue.

Usually, we classify everything under common physical tiredness. However, you should know that a person can feel different kinds of exhaustion. It varies from person to person, and a nap may not always be the cure.

So what are those fatigues and how do we deal with them?

Here are 5 of them!

 

1. Decision Fatigue

As the name suggests, it is the tiredness you feel after making too many decisions. It is also called brain fog; it reduces your ability to make effective decisions.

The symptoms of decision fatigue are sore muscles, headache, irritability, and dizziness. If you are feeling any of these symptoms, you might have to make changes to your lifestyle—decisions again, ironically. But these decisions will reduce your overall burden of decision-making.

For example, some people go with a minimal wardrobe to avoid having to make outfit choices every day. Some wear only plain t-shirts, while some have the same coloured formal wear. This way, you will have one less decision to make every day.

In the same way, you may also alter other areas of your lifestyle, which significantly improves your energy levels and decision-making ability.

 

2. Social Fatigue

Another kind of fatigue you should be aware of is social fatigue, aka social burnout. Socialising needs a lot of energy and if you do it for extended lengths of time, you are bound to feel exhausted.

You need alone time now and then to rejuvenate yourself. Nobody can be socialising 24×7. You might be the life of the party but you should cut back on socialising if it exhausts you.

Both introverts and extroverts can get affected by social fatigue. Introverts exert more energy to navigate those social situations, so they get tired quickly. However, extroverts feel it when it gets too much.

So when you know you ran out of energy, stop and rest. Don’t push yourself, be it for work or personal.

 

3. Compassion Fatigue

It is less heard of, but it is real. Compassion fatigue is when you feel helpless or when there is a lack of self-satisfaction. It reduces your ability to feel compassion for others.

With this fatigue, you feel a diminished sense of accomplishment in work and interaction with others. To cure this kind of fatigue, you can try devising a self-care plan.

This plan includes things that you think will energise you, such as having a meaningful conversation with a loved one, developing interests outside of work, diet, etc. Mind you, this is only the start and the basic personal care. But if the fatigue doesn’t go away, you may need to talk to a professional.

 

4. Creative Fatigue

Creativity is essential, is what I feel. It is essential for a happy and balanced life, both personal and professional. You feel creative burnout when you have indulged in the same kind of work for a long time. Simply, it has become such a routine that you neither get excited about it nor get new ideas.

The symptoms of this are obvious—unable to come up with authentic ideas, mental exhaustion, not being motivated to work, etc.

To break out of the shackles of creative fatigue, you can take some time off work, journal, take a walk in nature, indulge in other creative forms, etc. You can try what you feel like doing and hopefully, you will make away with your fatigue as quickly as possible.

 

5. Psychological Fatigue

When you have this fatigue, you feel unmotivated to do anything. Psychological fatigue is a by-product of stress, anxiety, and depression. Even sleeping may not help sometimes, or it could even worsen after you wake up in the morning.

To break out of it, you should first understand what causes stress for you and deal with them effectively. Once those stress inducers are away, you instantly feel better. You can also try some new activities to lift your spirits, get enough sleep, and exercise.

 

There you go!

Now you know more than the common physical exhaustion.

Each of these fatigues is a subject that must be understood well in today’s fast-paced life. Knowing what each of these actually means is the first and most important step towards greater physical and mental well-being.

Finally, we advise you to consult a doctor if you feel exhausted for days on end and you can’t seem to shake it off.