"あなたを疲れさせるのは仕事ではなく、心配や不満、憤りがエネルギーを消耗させるのです。"

You know that feeling when you drag yourself out of bed, even though you went to bed at a reasonable hour? It’s not because of the work itself. It's the mental baggage weighing you down—worry, frustration, and resentment. These emotions are like energy vampires, sucking the life out of you.

Think of how people used to work on farms or in factories generations ago. Physical labor was demanding, yet many people managed to keep going without feeling utterly drained. Why? They didn't have the same kind of mental clutter we deal with today. Sure, they had worries, but they were different—more immediate and less pervasive. Our modern worries are like a constant background noise, always there, gnawing at our peace of mind.

Take the story of Sarah, for example. She’s a project manager at a tech company. Her job isn’t physically demanding, but it’s mentally exhausting. She wakes up with a pit in her stomach, thinking about the deadlines, the demanding clients, and the constant pressure to perform. By the end of the day, she’s more than just tired—she’s utterly drained. It's not the work itself but the constant worry about meeting expectations and the frustration with office politics that saps her energy.

So, how do you apply this wisdom in your own life? First, identify what's really causing your fatigue. Is it the work or the emotional baggage that comes with it? Once you’ve pinpointed the problem, take steps to manage your stress. Break tasks into smaller, more manageable pieces. If office politics are getting you down, establish boundaries. Remember, it’s okay to switch off after working hours.

Now, picture this: You’re at a coffee shop with your best friend, venting about your day. Your friend leans in and says, “You know, it's not the work that’s making you tired. It’s everything you’re feeling about the work.” That’s a wake-up call, right? You realize you’ve been carrying around all this emotional weight without even noticing. Suddenly, it makes sense why you’re always so exhausted.

So, what’s the next step? Try this: next time you feel overwhelmed, take a moment to breathe. Close your eyes, inhale deeply, and let it out slowly. Then, mentally sift through your worries. What can you control? What can you let go of? Focus on what you can change and release what you can’t.

Remember, your energy is a precious resource. Don’t let worry, frustration, and resentment waste it. Treat your emotional well-being as seriously as your physical health. It’s all connected. When you take care of your mind, your body will thank you.

So, next time you’re feeling wiped out, ask yourself: Is it really the work, or is it something more? By addressing the real culprits, you’ll find yourself with more energy to tackle the tasks at hand—and maybe even enjoy them.