Lately, I’ve noticed something pretty remarkable—nearly everyone I speak to, whether they’re current clients, former clients returning after years, or even friends and loved ones, is feeling the same way. There’s a shared sense of exhaustion, depletion, and, in many cases, a feeling of just going through the motions of life.

They wake up, do what they have to, and go to bed feeling just as empty as the day before. It’s as if the joy, motivation, and energy to do more than just survive has been drained from them.

If this resonates with you, you are not alone.

Why Are We Feeling This Way?

I don’t think it’s a coincidence that so many people are struggling simultaneously. The collective emotional weight we’re carrying is enormous. The pandemic left wounds we never fully healed from, and now, with economic uncertainty, global conflict, and political instability, the stress keeps piling up.

Even if you don’t follow the news closely, this underlying anxiety seeps into the collective consciousness and affects us all in subtle but significant ways.

For a lot of people, this manifests as a heavy depression, making it difficult to find joy or motivation. For others, it presents as anxiety, keeping them in a constant state of restlessness and worry. Some cycle between both states, stuck between the tension of wanting to do something but feeling too drained to act.

The good news? There are ways to work through this. Even though the world may feel chaotic, you can reclaim your sense of self and stability.

Mobilizing vs. Relaxing:

What Do You Need Right Now?

When we feel overwhelmed, our nervous system responds in one of two ways—by shutting down (freeze, collapse, depression) or by becoming overactive (fight, flight, anxiety, tension). One of the most important things you can do for yourself right now is to recognize which state you’re in and respond accordingly.

How to Tell If You Need to Mobilize:

If you’re feeling stuck, sluggish, unmotivated, or emotionally numb, you likely need to mobilize your energy. Here are some signs:

• You have trouble getting out of bed or starting tasks.
• Everything feels like too much effort.
• You experience brain fog or struggle to concentrate.
• You don’t feel excited or engaged in things you used to enjoy.
• You feel detached from your emotions or from life itself.

Ways to Mobilize:

• Movement: Gentle stretching, a short walk outside, dancing to music—any movement helps shift your state.
• Small Wins: Break things down into tiny steps. Accomplishing one small thing can create momentum.
• Social Connection: Reach out to someone you trust, even if it’s just a short message.
• Sensory Stimulation: Listen to energizing music, take a cold shower, or engage in activities that wake up your body.
• Creative Expression: Draw, write, sing—do something that sparks a little bit of life in you.

How to Tell If You Need to Relax:

If you’re feeling anxious, restless, or overwhelmed, your body is in overdrive, and you need to calm your nervous system. Signs include:

• You can’t turn your brain off or stop overthinking.
• Your body feels tense or jittery.
• You feel on edge or easily irritated.
• You have trouble sleeping or relaxing.
• You’re constantly worried about things outside your control.

Ways to Relax:

• Deep Breathing: Slow, intentional breathing signals to your nervous system that you’re safe.
• Grounding Exercises: Focus on your senses—what you can see, hear, touch, and smell—to bring yourself into the present moment.
• Limit Stimulation: Reduce screen time, social media, and news consumption if they’re making you more anxious.
• Comfort Rituals: A warm bath, herbal tea, or soft blankets can help your body feel secure.
• Gentle Movement: Yoga, stretching, or slow walks can help release tension without overstimulating you.

Don't Cut Your Self-Care, Adapt It

When times are tough, most people immediately cut self-care from their budget, thinking it’s a luxury. But self-care isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity, especially now.

Your well-being depends on maintaining the practices that support you, even if you have to modify them. It’s easy to let self-care slip when you're feeling exhausted, but that’s when you need it most. Even small moments of care can help you regain your sense of balance. If your usual routines feel overwhelming, simplify them instead of abandoning them altogether.

If you need to make financial adjustments, try to keep the self-care practices that provide the most value and supplement them with lower-cost or free options. For example:

• If your yoga studio keeps you accountable and connected, keep attending but add home practice on other days to balance costs.
• If therapy is essential but finances are tight, see if your therapist offers biweekly sessions or sliding scale options.
• Find joy in experiences rather than material things—walks in nature, free local events, or creative hobbies.
• If you’re struggling with maintaining consistency, pair self-care activities with daily habits—stretching while waiting for coffee to brew, journaling before bed, or listening to calming music during your commute.

Even in difficult times, prioritizing self-care helps you stay connected to yourself, making it easier to navigate life’s challenges without losing your sense of identity and stability.

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