73 Feeling Drained Quotes for When You’re Just DONE

There are days when life just feels too much, right? Days when you’re mentally, emotionally, and physically drained—completely tapped out.

Maybe it’s been a relentless to-do list, a heavy emotional burden, or just the weight of everything piling up all at once. We’ve all been there, especially in today’s world of relentless chaos.

When I reach that breaking point—the “I AM DONE” moment—it’s easy to spiral into frustration, rage, or hopelessness. The times when my family looks at me like I’m crazy and have gone off the deep end this time!

top view of woman with eyes closed and hand resting on forehead from sheer exhaustion

But I’ve learned that sometimes, all it takes to shift my perspective is a powerful quote (and maybe a hot shower or a quiet moment alone:). But truthfully, a few simple words can remind me that I’m not alonethat I’m stronger than I feel, and that this too shall pass.

This collection of feeling drained quotes is for those moments when you’re at your wit’s end. I’ve carefully curated them to inspire you, uplift you, and maybe even make you smile through the exhaustion. Because even when you’re feeling drained, you still have a spark inside you. And these words are here to help reignite it.


Feeling Drained Quotes for Times When You’re Just Over It ALL

When you’re navigating moments of exhaustion—whether it’s mental, emotional, or physical—it can feel like the weight of the world is pressing down on you.

Tough times often bring sleepless nights, frayed nerves, and a deep sense of burnout. It’s in these moments that finding the right mindset becomes crucial for moving forward.

However, it’s important to know that these feelings are perfectly normal and a typical part of life’s challenges. Different people react differently to stress, overwhelm, and exhaustion—but everyone experiences it.

So, this collection of quotes is here to offer a lifeline. They’re not just words; they’re reminders to take a breath, refocus, and protect your physical health while nurturing your inner strength.

No matter how overwhelming the mental and emotional exhaustion may feel, these inspirational feeling drained quotes can help you regain your perspective and find a spark of hope to carry you through.

woman asleep on her sofe with a quote that says, "Sometimes you just need to lie on your couch and rest for a couple of years."

1. “There are many things in life worth getting temporarily tired for, but there is nothing in life worth getting permanently tired for.” — George Hammond

 2. “It’s not the load that breaks you down. It’s the way you carry it.” — Lou Holtz

3. “You can’t pour from an empty cup. Take care of yourself first.” — Unknown

4. “You can do anything—but not everything.” — David Allen

5. “When you get into a tight place and everything goes against you until it seems that you cannot hold on for a minute longer, never give up then, for that is just the place and time when the tide will turn.” — Harriet Beecher Stowe

6. “What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.”  — Ralph Waldo Emerson

7. “When it is dark enough, you can see the stars.” ― Ralph Waldo Emerson

8. “I don’t stop when I’m tired. I only stop when I’m done.” ― Marilyn Monroe

9. “People always say that I didn’t give up my seat because I was tired, but that isn’t true. I was not tired physically… the only tired I was, was tired of giving in.” ― Rosa Parks

10. “An exhausted man is much more than a weary man. Does he exhaust the possible because he is himself exhausted, or is he exhausted because he has exhausted the possible? He exhausts himself by exhausting the possible, and inversely.” — Gilles Deleuze

11. “I will simply breathe, and it will be okay because I don’t quit.” — Unknown

12. “Isn’t that weird? It’s the same with exercise, good nutrition, and a healthful sleep schedule. I think most people know that these are the low-hanging fruits of good mental and physical health. They grease the chute from which happiness may slide.” ― Paula Poundstone

13. “Stress acts as an accelerator: it will push you either forward or backward, but you choose which direction.” — Chelsea Erieau

14. “Taking time to do nothing often brings everything into perspective.” — Doe Zantamata

15. “I am tired of being tired and talking about how tired I am.” — Amy Poehler

16. “Burnout happens when you avoid being human for too long.” — Michael Gungor

17. “Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass under trees on a summer’s day… is by no means a waste of time.” — John Lubbock

woman with glasses in hand rubbing the bridge of her nose and her eyes from fatigue

18. “Even when you have every right to be tired of everything, Never be tired of living.” — Terry Mark

19. “Self-care is not a luxury; it’s a necessity.” — Audre Lorde

20. “Tired minds don’t plan well. Sleep first, then plan later.” — Walter Reisch

21. “Run when you can, walk if you have to, crawl if you must; just never give up.” — Dean Karnazes

22. “Perseverance is the hard work you do after you get tired of doing the hard work you already did.” —  Newt Gingrich

23. “You don’t have to be positive all the time. It’s perfectly okay to feel down, to feel drained, to feel exhausted. But you should never feel like you have to stay there.” — Anonymous

24. “Emotional exhaustion is real, but so is the power to heal. Take it one moment at a time.” — Anonymous

25. “The time to relax is when you don’t have time for it.” — Sydney J. Harris

26. “I’m not tired; I’m just mentally exhausted from trying to be everything for everyone.” — Anonymous

27. “Sometimes, you have to step back to move forward.” — Anonymous

28. “Mental exhaustion is when your brain has too many tabs open.” — Anonymous

29. “Resting is not a sign of weakness, it’s a sign of wisdom.” — Anonymous

30. “Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.” — Audre Lorde

31. “You have survived everything you have been through, and you will survive this too.” — Matt Haig

32. “There is hope, even when your brain tells you there isn’t.” — John Green

33. “At our lowest we find the solid ground of our foundation. And we can build ourselves anew.” — Matt Haig

34. “The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another.” — William James

35. “The key is not to prioritize what’s on your schedule but to schedule your priorities.” — Stephen Covey

36. “I will breathe. I will think of solutions. I will not let my worry control me. I will not stress myself out about things I can’t control or change.” — Shayne McClendon

37. “I really hate drama. It’s draining; it’s mentally draining. It’s a waste of time.” — Carli Lloyd

38. “We keep trying to run everything, and as a result, we’re running on empty.”  — Craig A. Lounsbrough

39. “Sometimes it’s not about finding the strength to keep going, but rather finding the reason that makes us want to.” — Craig D. Lounsbrough

40. “A person isn’t who they are during the last conversation you had with them—they’re who they’ve been throughout your whole relationship, and their deep tiredness is part of that.” —  Rainer Maria Rilke

woman with her head down on a desk of books and a quote that says, "I am tired of being tired and talking about how tired I am." - Amy Poehler

Funny Tired Quotes Just to Make You SMILE

41. “I kept a diary right after I was born. Day 1: Tired from the move. Day 2: Everyone thinks I’m an idiot.” — Steven Wright

42. “Life is one long process of getting tired.” ― Samuel Butler

43. “Sometimes you just need to lie on your couch and rest for a couple of years.”

44. “I am so tired even my tiredness is tired.”

45. “Being tired has become part of my personality.”

46. “I am not an early bird or a night owl. I am some form of a permanently exhausted pigeon.”

47. “I’m like 104% tired.”

48. “Being an adult is pretty easy. You just feel tired all the time and tell people about how tired you are and they tell you how tired they are.”

49. “I’m so tired even my tired is tired.”

50. “I feel like I’m already tired tomorrow.’

exhausted woman flopped on a sofa with a feeling drained quote: "You don't have to be positive all the time. It's perfectly okay to feel down, to feel drained, to feel exhausted. But you should never feel like you have to stay there."

Feeling Drained Quotes to Help You Know It’s Time to Rest 

51. “When I’m tired, I rest. I say, ‘I can’t be a superwoman today.’” — Jada Pinkett Smith

52. “Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes… including you.” — Anne Lamott

53. “Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is relax.” — Mark Black

54. “Sometimes the best way to recharge is to disconnect.” — Unknown

55. “You’ve done enough. It’s okay to be tired. You can take a break.” — Shauna Niequist

56. “Rest when you’re weary. Refresh and renew yourself, your body, your mind, your spirit. Then get back to work.” — Ralph Marston

57. “An exhausted man easily falls prey to the adversary.” — J. Oswald Sanders

58. “Sometimes you don’t realize you’re actually drowning when you’re trying to be everyone else’s anchor.” — Unknown

59. “If you do things when you’re burned out, it’ll make you bitter.” — Juliana Hatfield

60. I can tell you with authority that when I’m exhausted, when I’m running on empty, I’m the worst version of myself.” — Arianna Huffington

61. ​”As caretakers, we feel drained when caring for another, and in order to take care of someone else, we need to take care of ourselves at the same time.” —  Jenna Morasca

62. ​”You feel fine, and then, when your body can’t keep fighting, you don’t.” — Nicholas Sparks

63. ​”There are two types of tired. One is the dire need of sleep and the other is the dire need of peace.” —  Unknown

64. ​”If you are emotionally drained, you cannot give. Replenish yourself. A hollow cloud produces no rain and the earth dies of thirst.” — Unknown

65. ​”Tiredness is just something that is appearing; it’s not who you are.” — Nirmala

66. ​”Taking breaks isn’t about cheating yourself, it’s about treating yourself.” —  Curtis Tyrone Jones

67. ​”There is virtue in work and there is virtue in rest. Use both and overlook neither.” —  Alan Cohen

68. “We all grow tired eventually; it happens to everyone. Even the sun, at the close of the year, is no longer a morning person.” — Joyce Rachelle

69. “Rest when you’re weary. Refresh and renew yourself, your body, your mind, your spirit. Then get back to work.” — Ralph Marston

70. “You are not lazy, unmotivated, or stuck. After years of living your life in survival mode, you are exhausted. There is a difference.” —  Nakeia Homer

71. “If everything seems under control, you’re just not going fast enough.” — Mario Andretti

72. “Whenever I get fed up with life I love to go wandering in nature.” — Andrea Arnold

73. “Sometimes the best way to recharge is to just stop. Don’t push through it; let your soul rest.” — Anonymous

close-up of woman with eyes closed and hand on forehead from exhaustion and overwhelm, with quote that says "Tired minds don't plan well. Sleep first, then plan later" - Walter Reisch

Other Strategies to Reduce Emotional Exhaustion

While inspirational quotes about exhaustion and overwhelm can help shift your mindset and priorities, there are other strategies that can help manage your energy levels and emotional fatigue. These practical strategies help lighten your heavy load and restore balance.

It’s important to take small, intentional steps toward replenishing your energy and protecting your well-being. Here are some actionable tips to help you navigate those overwhelming days:

  1. Prioritize Rest
    Give yourself permission to rest without guilt. Whether it’s a quick nap, a full night’s sleep, or simply stepping away from responsibilities, rest is essential.
  2. Set Boundaries
    Learn to say no to tasks or commitments that drain you. Protect your energy by prioritizing what truly matters.
  3. Practice Deep Breathing
    When stress peaks, pause for a moment of deep breathing. Inhale deeply through your nose for four counts, hold for four, and exhale through your mouth for six.
  4. Break Tasks into Smaller Steps
    Large tasks can feel insurmountable. Break them into smaller, manageable pieces to avoid overwhelm.
  5. Engage in Gentle Movement
    Take a short walk, stretch, or do light yoga. Physical activity can help release tension and boost your mood.
  6. Reach Out for Support
    Share your feelings with a trusted friend, family member, or therapist. A listening ear can provide comfort and perspective.
  7. Unplug from Technology
    Disconnect from screens and social media for a while. Reclaim that time to relax, reflect, or engage in a calming activity.
  8. Practice Gratitude and Mindfulness
    Focus on the positives by writing down three things you’re grateful for each day. Gratitude can shift your perspective and uplift your spirits while mindfulness can help you stay focused on simple things that are happening in the moment.
  9. Nurture Yourself
    Do something that brings you joy or comfort, like reading, taking a bath, or enjoying your favorite meal. Enjoy quiet moments that allow you to recharge. 
  10. Set Realistic Expectations
    Remember, it’s okay not to do everything perfectly. Adjust your expectations and focus on progress rather than perfection.
woman at desk with a sign in her hand that says HELP

Final Thoughts: Feeling Drained Quotes

Sometimes I simply get tired thinking about ALL that I have to do in life. I may not have even gotten to the point of feeling drained and overwhelmed yet—but I know I will! 

Those are moments when I need to spend time taking care of myself in preparation for life’s demands. Otherwise, I’ve been known to shut down completely.

I need to get plenty of fresh air and 6-8 hours of sleep at night, eat well, and remember that difficult times don’t last forever

But I also use inspirational quotes about feeling drained as a gentle reminder to keep things in perspective. Mental fatigue is something we all feel at times in life, but we can keep it under control if we have the right tools.  

You might find these Related Articles helpful if you are feeling drained:

Love to ALL! ~ Susan

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