We’ve all been there. You say, “I’m tired” at night, and people nod with understanding.
But say it in the morning? “But the day just started!”
Say it midday? “Maybe you need more coffee.”
Say it before dinner? “Oh, long day?”
As if exhaustion follows a schedule. As if you need permission to feel drained.
“Fatigue is the common enemy of us all—so slow down, rest, and recharge.” — John Wooden
Why Do We Feel the Need to Justify Our Tiredness?
Some tiredness comes from sleepless nights. Some from emotions too heavy to carry. Some from navigating a world that never seems to slow down.
And yet, we hesitate before admitting it. We downplay how we feel, afraid of judgment. But exhaustion isn’t something you earn—it’s something you experience. And that experience doesn’t follow the hands of a clock.
“Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you.” — Anne Lamott
The Subtle Pressure to Always Have Energy
In a world that glorifies productivity, saying “I’m tired” feels like an admission of failure. But being human means fluctuating energy levels. It means carrying unseen mental loads, absorbing emotions, and balancing responsibilities that don’t always align with the hours on a clock.
Rest isn’t a privilege—it’s a necessity.
You Don’t Need Permission to Listen to Your Body
You are not lazy for needing rest.
You are not weak for feeling drained.
You are not failing to take a pause.
Your body whispers before it screams. Listen to it.
“Rest when you’re weary. Refresh and renew yourself, your body, your mind, your spirit. Then get back to work.” — Ralph Marston
Tired is tired. And that’s reason enough.
The Time to Normalize Rest Is Now
What if we stopped questioning exhaustion and started respecting it? What if we let ourselves feel tired, without guilt or justification? What if we stopped waiting for the right time to rest and just allowed ourselves to be human?
“There is virtue in work and there is virtue in rest. Use both and overlook neither.” — Alan Cohen
Have you ever felt like you had to explain your exhaustion? Share your thoughts in the comments below. Let’s normalize rest—at any time of the day.
Comments