What many women don’t know is that fatigue doesn’t always show up with a loud yawn or the urge to crawl back into bed seconds after the alarm goes off.
If you’re the busy working type of mum, you already expect to feel tired. But what if the signs are quieter, more subtle and easier to dismiss?
Hidden fatigue can masquerade as forgetfulness, irritability or even a persistent craving for sugar and other guilty pleasures. And when you’re juggling work deadlines, school pickups and bedtime routines, it can be hard to tell when your body is whispering for rest.
One of the most overlooked signs of fatigue is brain fog. Yes, that fuzzy, unfocused feeling that makes it hard to concentrate or remember simple things. That one!
If you find yourself rereading the same email three times or forgetting where you parked the car, your mind may be running on empty.
Another red flag is increased irritability or emotional sensitivity. If the little things are starting to feel like big, mundane things, your nervous system might be overloaded and trying to get your attention.
Physical symptoms will also pop up when you start to notice that your once bright skin is now looking dull, you have persistent headaches, or a general feeling of heaviness.
Some women report that they needed more caffeine just to keep up or turned to sugar for a quick energy hit. These coping mechanisms act as temporary solutions, acting as crutches to mask the real issue.
So, what can be done? First, set aside mini recovery time windows in your day. Take, for instance, five minutes of quiet after school drop-off, ten minutes of stretching before bed.
Second, evaluate your sleep quality. Even if you’re getting six hours, is it restorative? Prioritise wind-down time and reduce screen exposure at night. Instagram can wait.
Finally, nourish yourself properly. Balanced meals, plenty of water and gentle movements like walking or stretches can make a world of difference.
But most importantly, listen to your body. Rest is a necessity. Permitting yourself to slow down is not selfish but crucial in staying strong, present and healthy.
By Esther Muchene
