For many men and women, tiredness has become part of ordinary life. But sometimes what we call being "busy" is actually prolonged stress taking its toll, says the writer.
THERE is a particular kind of tiredness that sleep does not always fix. It is the tiredness of waking up already thinking about bills, school runs, deadlines, ageing parents, relationship problems, work messages and what needs to be cooked for supper. It is the exhaustion of constantly being needed while still being expected to function as though everything is fine.
For many men and women, tiredness has become part of ordinary life. But sometimes what we call being "busy" is actually prolonged stress taking its toll.
The World Health Organization says stress affects both the mind and body. Too much stress can be associated with anxiety, irritability, difficulty concentrating, headaches, body pain, and problems sleeping. In other words, exhaustion is not always simply about how many hours we spend in bed.
Men and women may carry different responsibilities, but neither is immune. A woman may be juggling paid work, children, household responsibilities and caring for relatives. A man may be carrying financial pressure, job insecurity, parenting responsibilities and worries he rarely discusses.
