Always Tired? Uncover the Hidden Causes of Your Exhaustion

"Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." -Proverbs 4:23

Last week, one of my clients shared with me how she’s been dealing with overwhelming fatigue. We reviewed the usual culprits associated with fatigue: sleep hygiene, diet, exercise, whether or not she should have her hormones, A1C, and iron tested. But as we dug into it, she realized that a lot of her tiredness was actually rooted in despair over the state of the world. Constant news cycles, anxiety-inducing headlines, and social media comparisons had been weighing on her, taking a toll on her heart and her energy.

A negative physical response to the state of the world is something I’m seeing regularly. It’s showing up in the form of fatigue, gut issues, chronic pain, fainting episodes, insomnia, anxiety, weight gain, hair loss, and more.

There was a time when my practice focused primarily on addressing physical misalignments that caused pain. Today, however, I find that nearly all of my students are dealing with a dysregulated nervous system at the core of their issues. The nervous system plays a vital role in regulating our energy and overall well-being, yet most people are unaware of its impact. When it’s overstimulated or dysregulated, it can lead to the symptoms listed above. And only when the nervous system is balanced and regulated can the body truly begin to heal.

It’s no surprise nervous system dysregulation is at an all-time high. No matter where you are on the political spectrum, the world feels incredibly unstable and more challenging than most of us remember in our lifetimes. Plus, we’re living in a time of constant overstimulation. From the constant ping of notifications to the endless cycle of fear-based media at our finger tips, we’re being bombarded in ways our nervous systems aren’t designed to handle. It’s no wonder many of us are feeling depleted, not just in our bodies but in our hearts and minds as well.

This epidemic of anxiety led me on a search for tools to help myself and my clients find relief.

I found that in HeartMath®. HeartMath practice is a way of "resetting" our nervous system, and you can learn more in my post The Science Behind HeartMath: A New Tool in Nervous System Healing here. One of the key concepts in HeartMath is coherence. 

The Science of HeartMath: Coherence and Its Impact 

The HeartMath Institute defines coherence as a state where the heart, mind, and emotions are in energetic alignment and cooperation. This is not woo-woo, it’s a measurable state known as psychophysiological coherence, that’s characterized by smooth, sine-wave-like heart rhythms that reflect a harmonious interaction between the heart and brain. Achieving coherence has been shown to reduce stress, enhance energy, cognitive function, and improve emotional stability.

Research indicates that when we experience positive emotions such as appreciation or care, our heart rhythms become more ordered, leading to increased coherence. Conversely, negative emotions like frustration or fear can cause our heart rhythms to become erratic, decreasing coherence and increasing stress levels.

When our system is out of coherence, we experience stress as a disruptor to our overall health, affecting everything from sleep to immune function. But the good news is that we can shift into coherence by consciously choosing to focus on positive, regenerative emotions.

The Need for Discernment in What We Consume 

Just as we’re careful about what we put into our bodies through food, we need to be equally discerning about what we allow into our hearts and minds. We know that eating junk food regularly isn’t healthy, but how often do we consume “junk” through our ears, eyes, and thoughts?

Think about the content you consume every day: news, social media, conversations, even your own thoughts. If you constantly expose yourself to negativity, comparisons, or fear, it’s no wonder you feel drained. What we feed ourselves through our senses, thoughts, and feelings has a profound impact on whether or not we are operating from a state of hyper-arousal or ease.

When we choose to feed ourselves with things that uplift us, whether through positive media, supportive relationships, or empowering thoughts, we facilitate a calm nervous system, creating the conditions for renewal.

Practical Steps to Guard Your Heart

Guarding your heart doesn’t require a major overhaul, but it does require intentionality. Here are a few simple steps you can take today to begin protecting yourself:

1. Audit Your Media Consumption: Take a close look at the news, social media, and other content you consume. If it leaves you feeling anxious, fearful, or drained, consider unfollowing, muting, or reducing the time you spend on it. Protecting your peace starts with protecting your eyes and ears.
2. Limit Time with Energy-Draining People: If you have people in your life who constantly complain, gossip, or bring negative energy into your space, it’s time to set boundaries. You don’t have to cut them out completely, but limit your exposure and prioritize time with those who uplift you and bring peace into your life.
3. Clear Physical and Mental Clutter: Clutter in your physical space can create mental clutter. Take a few moments each day to tidy up your surroundings, whether it’s your home, workspace, or even your digital environment. Clearing the clutter plugs energy drains.
4. Fill Your Life with What Renews You: In my post What Kind of Tired Are You? I explain that there are many forms of rest beyond sleep and vegging out. Replenish yourself by taking time for the things that truly restore you, whether it’s a walk in nature, a conversation with a close friend, a quiet moment of reflection, or engaging in creative hobbies. The goal is to make conscious choices that replenish your heart and soothe your nervous system.

When you start making these small changes, you’ll begin to notice a shift. You’ll have more energy, more clarity, and a greater sense of peace.

When Feeling Joy Feels Inaccessible  

The process of bringing ourselves into coherence is easier than it sounds, especially with the support of biofeedback technology. HeartMath’s biofeedback tools show your body’s response to focusing on positive, regenerative feelings - like gratitude or care - in real time. These training tools give you feedback to help you shift your state and bring your heart and mind back into something that might not yet feel like joy, but it sure feels a heck of a lot better than before.

If you’d like to explore this technology, I recommend checking out HeartMath’s Inner Balance, which is currently available at a 20% discount from July 17–30, 2025. You can purchase it directly from HeartMath using my affiliate link HERE. 

How I Can Help You Through This Process 

Imagine not just surviving in today’s overstimulated world but thriving with clarity, peace, and good energy. By consciously choosing positive emotions and curating your intake, you can create lasting transformation in your life.

You don’t have to navigate this process alone.

As a certified HeartMath Professional, I’m here to guide you through using these tools to bring your heart and mind into harmony, so you can reset your nervous system and experience higher energy and better well-being. This practice is proving to accelerate the benefits of my other health coaching tools like breathwork and self-myofascial release, bringing fast and profound relief to my clients.

If you’re ready to transform your energy and well-being, reach out today to schedule a session. I’m here to help you take control of your health and thrive.

References 

• HeartMath Institute. (n.d.). Coherence. Retrieved from https://www.heartmath.org/research/science-of-the-heart/coherence/
• HeartMath Institute. (n.d.). Psychophysiological Coherence: A Link Between Positive Emotions, Stress Reduction, Performance, and Health. Retrieved from https://www.heartmath.org/research/research-library/abstracts/psychophysiological-coherence-positive-emotions-stress-reduction-performance-and-health/

HeartMath is a registered trademark of Quantum Intech, Inc. (dba HeartMath, Inc.). For all other HeartMath trademarks go to www.heartmath.com/trademarks.