Women’s health centre

Why are you feeling drained?

Has your get up and go actually gone? Is everything just too much effort? With busy lives and competing demands it’s not surprising we feel drained from time to time. If you’re feeling zapped of energy it could be time to think of what’s making you slump.

We’re not talking medical reasons here (although there are plenty of conditions that can cause tiredness and fatigue. It may be worth getting checked out by your GP to rule anything out). These are energy zappers you may not have thought of and that you can change yourself.

1. Negative people

They come in all shapes and sizes. Some are always moaning or criticising. Others may be argumentative or self-centred. They are energy vampires sucking all of your positive energy and making you feel exhausted.

If you feel wrung out after a phone call from one of them, or if you get a knot in your stomach when you’re talking to them, you can tell there’s one in your life.

You don’t have to spend time with people who bring you down. Failing that, limit your dealings with them, set boundaries, don’t be defensive and don’t react to their negativity.

"Negative people can drain the positivity out of others, as the sheer amount of energy needed to cajole someone into a more positive state of being can really take its toll," says Amerley Ollennu, wellbeing editor at Psychologies magazine.

She says,"Learn how to anticipate their reaction, with work colleagues come up with some solutions before they even present you with a problem. With friends and family avoid topics of conversation or places you know bring out their negative side and make a conscious effort to reduce the amount of time you spend with them."

2. Sugar

Yes, that does provide energy rather than zap it but it’s quick energy that leads to a slump afterwards.

If you need an energy boost, instead of grabbing a high sugar biscuit or fizzy drink have a healthy snack that releases energy more slowly and won’t lead to a low afterwards. Try a few slices of lean chicken, some oat cakes or some fruit.

3. Caffeine

Too much caffeine can keep you from getting a good night’s sleep making you feel drained and lacking in energy.

Switch to decaffeinated versions of coffee or cola instead. If you are overtired and use caffeine as a pick me up this interferes with your natural sleep cycle.

"Excess fat, sugar and caffeine can lead to energy spikes, closely followed by energy dips, alongside stomach problems such as bloating, and altered bowel habits and stomach pains sap energy levels and mood," says Aisling Pigott from the British Dietetic Association.