From Zombie to Zoom: Six Science-Backed Energy Hacks for the Perpetually Exhausted

Dear Healthy,
When I wrote about adrenal fatigue during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, I couldn’t have imagined the cascade of challenges we’d continue to face. Many now experience bone-deep exhaustion that no amount of coffee can remedy. This isn’t ordinary tiredness; it’s persistent fatigue, where even after eight hours of sleep, simple tasks feel monumental.

The Science Behind Your Exhaustion
While not an official medical diagnosis, “adrenal fatigue” describes what happens when our adrenal glands (situated atop each kidney) struggle with proper cortisol regulation. This crucial hormone manages stress responses, blood pressure, and immune function. When chronic stress keeps cortisol elevated, it can lead to high blood pressure, weakened immunity, anxiety, and depression.

Why Are We All So Tired?
The numbers tell a compelling story — according to the National Institute of Mental Health, chronic stress is significantly impacting Americans’ physical and mental health. Studies confirm that stress-related fatigue has increased dramatically since 2020. No wonder you’re feeling depleted!
While Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is a specific medical diagnosis, what we’re discussing is far more common — persistent exhaustion from navigating today’s…