Are you feeling SAD already this year?
Maybe not. It’s probably too early for full-blown Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). But as days get shorter, nights get longer, and the holidays creep closer, it’s not too early to talk about exhaustion.
We all get tired, but sometimes that fatigue runs deeper than a few late nights. Experts say there are three overlapping kinds of exhaustion that can sneak up on you. At this time of year, you might be feeling all three.
- Everyday exhaustion
This is the fatigue we know best: long workdays, family obligations, poor sleep, and the general wear and tear of life. For those of us past 50, recovery can take a little longer than it used to.
The best solution is exercise. Studies show that regular strength workouts not only reduce fatigue but also raise energy and improve sleep. One review of 70 studies found that consistent exercise boosts energy levels. Another showed that adults who train regularly are about 40% less likely to report ongoing tiredness.
So, if you’re dragging, don’t crash on the couch!
Give us a call. Lift something. Take a walk. Weightlifting. Practice calisthenics or ride a bike… Any kind of movement is good. You’ll feel more energetic in no time.
- Seasonal and holiday exhaustion
Shorter daylight hours mean your body produces more melatonin, which signals sleep even when it’s midafternoon. That can leave you feeling sluggish, unmotivated, or moody.
Then layer on the holiday stress: social commitments, travel, shopping, and finances. It’s no wonder energy runs low this time of year.
You can fight back by getting sunlight early in the day, maintaining your workout routine, and protecting your sleep. Think of it as self-care that’s crucial, no matter how busy things get.
- Digital exhaustion
The newest kind of fatigue isn’t about your body or the weather. It’s about your screens.
Paul Leonardi, a professor at UC Santa Barbara and author of the new book Digital Exhaustion: Simple Rules for Reclaiming Your Life, says that the nonstop flow of messages, notifications, and multitasking quietly drains our energy.
He calls this an “exhaustion triad.” Our attention gets scattered, our emotions overloaded, and our sense of connection distorted.
“Everybody has the power to reduce their digital exhaustion,” Leonardi says.
It’s a powerful message for anyone who’s tired of feeling tethered to technology or feeling grumpy after a day of texting and scrolling. Even small changes — like silencing alerts or checking messages less often — can help you regain focus and calm.
The takeaway: Exhaustion today isn’t just about age or effort. It’s a mix of physical strain, seasonal shifts, and digital overload. Tending to all three can help you feel stronger, steadier, and more energized — no matter what the calendar (or your phone) throws at you.
Give us a call today, we’ll get you moving – and keep you moving throughout the seasons.
Holly Kouvo is a personal trainer, functional aging specialist, senior fitness specialist, brain health trainer, writer, and speaker.