To the Teen Who is Tired of Being Tired

 If you’re reading this and feeling constantly tired , not just sleepy, but deeply tired , I want you to know something first: it’s not all in your head.

A lot of teens are walking around exhausted, overwhelmed, and emotionally drained, and no one is really naming it for what it is. Chronic stress doesn’t always look like panic or breakdowns. Sometimes it looks like numbness. Like losing motivation. Like feeling behind even when you’re trying.

Stress doesn’t just live in your thoughts. It lives in your body.

When you’re under constant pressure, school, expectations, comparison, responsibility , your body stays in survival mode. Your stress hormones stay high. Over time, that can show up as headaches, stomach issues, trouble sleeping, mood swings, or feeling on edge for no clear reason.

You might start thinking, Why am I like this? Why can’t I just handle things better?
But this isn’t about being weak. It’s about being human.

Your nervous system was never meant to be “on” all the time.

Rest isn’t just sleep. It’s letting your body feel safe again. It’s slowing down without guilt. It’s taking breaks even when you feel like you haven’t “earned” them. And yes, it’s hard! Especially when the world praises burnout.

If you’ve been pushing yourself nonstop, it makes sense that your body is asking for relief.

You don’t need to have everything figured out. You don’t need to be perfect. You don’t need to prove your worth by exhausting yourself.

Start small. One deep breath. One honest check-in with yourself. One moment of rest today, even if it’s just sitting quietly.

You’re allowed to care for yourself before you fall apart.

And if no one’s told you this lately: you’re doing the best you can with what you have. That matters.

I’m proud of you for staying.
I’m rooting for you.