Feeling Drained Lately? This Could Be the Solution!

You haven't had a major life change, your finances are stable, and you’re not staying up all night. So why do you feel so low on energy, easily frustrated, and scattered in your thoughts?

Let’s talk about invisible stress.

We all recognise visible stress. It’s the chaos of a toddler throwing a tantrum at the grocery store or the pressure of delivering a speech in front of a critical audience. But what about the subtle, silent stressors lurking beneath the surface? These are the invisible stressors that can sneak up on us and wreak havoc on our well-being.

When these hidden stressors pile up, you might feel like you just survived a rollercoaster ride, yet you’re left thinking, “What’s wrong with me? Why do I feel like this? Nothing major happened!” In this article, we’ll uncover five sneaky stressors outlined by Precision Nutrition experts that could be chipping away at your health and happiness. Even better, we’ll share strategies for recovering your energy, clarity, and resilience.

In our tech-driven world, information is abundant. From endless emails and video calls to social media feeds, our brains are bombarded with data every minute of the day. The result? We often feel overwhelmed and mentally fatigued.

The problem isn’t just the sheer volume of information but our inability to filter out what’s irrelevant. Without a focus filter, our attention gets scattered like leaves in the wind, leaving us feeling drained and unfocused.

Signs you’re affected by this stressor:

How to recover: Establish a focus filter by identifying your core values and priorities. Ask yourself: What truly matters to me? Whether it’s family, fitness, or personal growth, consciously direct your attention toward these areas. Recognise that saying “yes” to your values may require saying “no” to distractions.

Many of us have been taught to maintain a positive outlook, even in difficult times. But when positivity becomes forced or insincere, it can intensify stress rather than alleviate it. This is what we call toxic positivity, and it can stifle your ability to address real issues.

Signs you’re suffering from this stressor:

How to recover: Acknowledge and embrace your emotions, especially the uncomfortable ones. When you feel something negative, notice it. Allow yourself to experience these feelings without judgement, as they are a normal part of the human experience. Everybody has moods that go up and down. So if you’re in a low mood, you can start getting excited that, soon, you’ll be in a high mood again. There’s no need to be scared of your feelings. They come and go, and they go away much faster if you take them in stride.

The background noise of everyday life—lawnmowers, traffic, or even loud conversations—can trigger a stress response in our bodies. While some sounds are merely annoying, others can be overwhelming, especially when we’re trying to focus or unwind.

Signs you’re affected by this stressor:

How to recover: Identify ways to minimise noise that triggers your stress. Use noise-cancelling headphones, create quiet zones in your home, or set aside specific times for silence. Consider incorporating “quiet breaks” into your day to recharge.

Many professions require us to manage our emotions and the feelings of others, which can be exhausting. This emotional labour—whether in customer service, healthcare, or even caregiving—can leave you feeling depleted if not properly managed.

Signs you’re suffering from this stressor: