I, probably like many others, am struggling with exhaustion that seem hard to shake. It kills my hobbies and interests one by one, it makes doom scrolling and watching stupid shows seem like the only valid activities I can handle.

I have tried the “touch grass”, I regularly switch off my phone to take breaks from social media, but it is hard to find motivation to anything but sleep and watch TV on the weekends.

Are there methods to deal with this sort of exhaustion from… gestures broadly at everything ?

Edit: after the initial replies I realized I probably should mention that I already do regular therapy and take prescription drugs for depression.

Edit 2: Thanks everyone for replying and handing out advice. My plan moving forward is to get some labs done to make sure I don’t have any deficiencies and have my meds adjusted if they need to be. I will try eating better, be more conscious about sleep and regular exercise.

  • @voicesarefreeEnglish
    36•8 days ago

    Not a diagnosis, but sounds like depression.

    Perhaps counter intuitively, exercise (get that heart rate up and sweat exercise) has always been the most effective for me. Managed my depression for ~25 years that way, such that I only have occasional (temporary) bouts of ennui.

    I’d keep up with the touching grass too.

    • Diplomjodler
      11•8 days ago

      I’d recommend cycling or hiking. Great ways to combine touching grass with exercise. And both great for working through things you have in your mind.

    • @Potatisen
      6•8 days ago

      Working out was great for me too, I found the most exhausting thing I could do. Did a 1h class 3 x Week, no need to plan or prep anything, just show up and get absolutely exhausted.

      I know how it sou da but you get SO much energy back.

    • FlashMobOfOne
      4•8 days ago

      As a depressive myself, I concur. Sounds like OP is one of us.

      The key is finding coping strategies. I exercise every day and lift weights five days a week. That helps me tremendously. As far as exercise goes, you basically try everything until you figure out what you like and a routine that works for you. If your energy peaks at a particular time of day, that’s when you should plan to exercise. (For me it’s in the morning.)

      I also read a lot of books.

      Thing is, I don’t engage with people much, and that actually helps a lot with my mental health. I have one in-office day a week and that’s enough to fill up my social gauge.

      • @[email protected]OPEnglish
        2•7 days ago

        If your energy peaks at a particular time of day, that’s when you should plan to exercise.

        This is very sound advice and I can’t believe I didn’t think of it.

        • FlashMobOfOne
          2•7 days ago

          I hope you find a routine that helps you deal with this. It’s tough stuff, but once you figure out what works for you, coping’s way easier.

      • @200ok
        3•8 days ago

        This was great, thanks!