Feeling constantly drained isn’t always about being busy.
Long-term pressure can affect how energized, patient, and mentally clear you feel day to day. When demands stay high and recovery stays low, many people begin to notice ongoing fatigue, irritability, or difficulty focusing—signals that their system may be under sustained strain.
If you’ve been waking up tired despite sleeping, feeling overwhelmed by tasks that once felt manageable, or mentally “checking out” more often than usual, this self-check may help you reflect on what’s contributing to that load.
How this assessment works
This assessment is informed by principles from the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI), a widely used research framework that looks at exhaustion across different areas of life—not just work.
Rather than giving a single label or score, it helps you identify which types of fatigue may be most relevant for you right now, so you can better understand where recovery may be lacking.
⏱ Takes about 2 minutes.
There are no right or wrong answers—just respond based on your recent experience.
Take the Self-Assessment
Understanding Your Results: Different Forms of Ongoing Exhaustion
Persistent fatigue is often misunderstood as “doing too much.” Research suggests it’s more helpful to look at how your energy is being depleted, and where recovery isn’t happening.
Your responses reflect patterns commonly associated with three overlapping dimensions of ongoing strain.
1. Physical Fatigue (Body-Level Tiredness)
This type of fatigue shows up as a general lack of physical energy that doesn’t fully improve with short periods of rest. You may notice heaviness in the body, muscle tension, or feeling worn down even during low-effort days.
Extended stress can keep the body in a prolonged state of alertness, which increases baseline energy use—even when you’re not physically active.
2. Emotional Depletion (Reduced Emotional Capacity)
Emotional depletion often feels like having limited patience, empathy, or emotional bandwidth. You may feel more irritable, detached, or socially withdrawn—not because you don’t care, but because your emotional reserves are stretched thin.
This is commonly understood as a protective response, where the mind reduces emotional output to cope with continued demands.
3. Cognitive Fatigue (Mental Overload & Fog)
Difficulty concentrating, slower thinking, or forgetfulness are common signs of cognitive fatigue. Under sustained pressure, mental clarity can temporarily decline as attention shifts toward handling immediate demands rather than complex thinking.
This doesn’t reflect ability or intelligence—it reflects mental load.
Why Simple Rest Isn’t Always Enough
If your results suggest moderate or higher ongoing strain, basic advice like “just relax” may feel ineffective.
That’s because recovery isn’t only about rest—it’s about how safe and supported your system feels during rest. Certain low-stimulation activities, consistent routines, and intentional recovery habits may be more helpful than passive downtime alone.
Exploring recovery strategies that address both mental and physical load can make rest more effective.
Disclaimer
This self-assessment is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, or replace professional medical advice. If you are experiencing persistent distress, pain, or mental health concerns, consider consulting a qualified healthcare professional.
