Published on 12, July, 2020
I've noticed that my sensory overload/burnout is getting worse as I'm getting older. I used to be very energetic in my 20s, but then gradually burned out to the point where I couldn't work anymore. I used to need at least one rest day a week where I do absolutely nothing except lying in bed and watching Netflix, now I need 2 of them per week.
I recently finished my college course (which I did from home because Covid); once I finished everything, I was completely exhausted for a week. Today and yesterday I met up with friends, I had a nice time and walked quite a lot, and now I'm absolutely shattered. I'll definitely need a day of doing nothing tomorrow. Every activity seems to drain me, and it takes at least 24 hours to recharge my batteries.
I'm 32 so it's not like I'm ancient, lol. I eat healthy, regular meals, and I take vitamins, supplements, nootropics etc. so I'm not sure what else I can do to boost my energy levels.
Has anyone else experienced increased tiredness as they are getting older?
Yes, I am 42 and spend a good amount laying down, it varies of course too. I had to stop working 2 years ago.One thing that is hard to accept is that I can't listen to a lot of music anymore and often I can't watch TV. I just had to leave the living room today, because we were watching a documentary on African culture and music. There was music and talking at the same time for at least ten minutes. It was unbearable.Good luck to you. I wish I could have told you a happier story.
I’m warnout at 39, I’m fit as a fiddle and muscles everywhere, but I don’t workout. It’s the stress of life for me.. I’m so tired it’s unreal. I’m fine in work but then I crash hard. Can’t even be bothered with making food. But if I have an interest I’ve all of a sudden full of energy;-)
Still though, you never fully switch off so your mind has been engaged this whole time with one thing or another. Breaks are so important.
Thank you, It hasn't been solidly for 7 years, I have had a few breaks here and there for a few months but they have been more frequent and longer recently and I'm trying to balance keeping myself rested to avoid burnout but pushing through as much as I can to get it all done.
ha, this reminds me of Spoonerisms. My favourite is when giving a short speech or introduction to a group you say 'I see before me a mass of shining wits... and that's not just a Spoonerism'.
Love your username! Good luck with your exam, after 7 years you deserve a good break.
Yes, I can relate. Im 37, and have been studying for the last 7 years along side my day job. Work stress and nearly being at the end of my qualification has been really tough the last year or so and I'm really hoping that I can continue till my exam in March without needing to take time out.
Spoon Theory - each day is allocated, let's say, 20 spoons of sugar (your energy levels). Friday burns more spoons because you've been at work all day and maybe met up for a drink after - and the social aspect burns a few more spoons than your work does. That gives you fewer spoons on Saturday morning, so you need to do fewer activities, or, less taxing activities to conserve your spoon count for Sunday and so on. It's a balancing act. There are some days where the laundry needs doing, and various other tasks, and I prioritize the thing that's most important to conserve spoons for the next day. If it can wait, it can wait. No wasted spoons.
It's a theory that came out a few years back and there's now a community of "spoonies" in the Facebook Group "Chronic Illness Memes" which is made up of all kinds of people ranging from CFS, to autism, and a range of other chronic conditions. It's a funny feed.
Absolutely. I'm 52 now and I've noticed how more drained I get around people and lots of different situations. I choose now to stay at home a lot more because of that mad sensory world out there. I am constantly tired, I also have young kids which takes my stress and fatigue to another level. Our bodies and minds tell us what to do for the best, that's what I believe anyway. Keep the faith boys and girls.
Ok, will do!
It does suck. I used to be able to do 3 day music festivals in my younger days (although it took me like a week to recover)! Now I could never do that!
I have ADHD as well as autism, so I do crave some degree of excitement and stimulation, but don't have the spoons for it... exciting events are a rare and exhausting occasion in my life!
I generally dislike people too, except my friends, whom I love. I'll need to learn to drive if I want to live in the countryside though; my previous attempts at driving have not gone well lol. I hope I'm capable of getting an automatic licence at least!
But yeah, living in the woods with a dog is also my dream...
Same for me! My dream is to move as far away from people as possible, ideally the countryside, and then live by myself with a dog.
I've been desperate for this since I was about 20 - when everyone else my age was hoping for exciting things, I was basically dreaming of the life of a retired man. All problems in my life are from people, I just want some peace and quiet.
Mine definitely seems to be getting worse. I used to be able to tolerate a lot more sensory overload. I guess when you get older you have less energy in general and lack the exuberance and enthusiasm of youth.
I'm only in my 30s as well, but there is no way I could do some of the things I did 10 years ago now. I get really tired and burnt out very easily and need multiple days of doing nothing to recover. I think everyone has less energy with age, but this is going to affect an autistic person worse if your brain is bombarded with a lot of difficult to interpret sensory information.
violetdr3amer please add your burnout experience to my collection please
community.autism.org.uk/.../autistic-burnout-collection-what-is-your-experience-plus-some-latest-research-------------by-aidie
Hey, P. I hope you got the news you wanted.
Good idea. That is my plan too! Preferably somewhere very hot with few people!
Same here! I never know how long I've been doing anything!
I like vegetables. Just saying if you need to vege - go for it!
Yes - 'normal' life just gets so complicated and draining - and the general run-down of getting older. You're always trying to work out when the line will cross the axis - crash mode.