If you’re starting to find that you don’t have the motivation to complete even the most necessary of daily tasks or that your energy is consistently low, regardless of how much rest you get, you may be concerned that it’s a sign of something more serious.
Find out more about motivation and energy concerns in adults, and how we might be able to help.
Understanding what might be affecting your motivation or energy levels could be the first step to addressing them and regaining a sense of balance. You may recognise some of the factors we’ve outlined below but, even if you’re unsure what’s behind how you’re feeling, a call with our team of experts can help you explore possible next steps.
Unlike some services, all our calls are handled by trained clinical advisors, meaning they have the knowledge and experience to support you from the very first conversation.
Physical causes
Poor sleep
Not getting enough quality sleep can have a significant impact on your energy and motivation during the day. If you’ve been feeling unusually tired, sluggish, or unmotivated and your sleep has changed recently, this may be contributing. While occasional poor sleep is common, persistent sleep difficulties can affect both physical and mental wellbeing and may need further support.
Medications and substance use
Some medications list fatigue or low motivation as side effects, which is worth discussing with your doctor if it starts to interfere with daily life. Alcohol, recreational drugs, or frequent stimulant use can also disrupt natural energy levels and impact motivation over time.
Hormonal changes
Hormones play an important role in regulating energy and mood. Changes during periods such as pregnancy, menopause, or certain medical conditions can lead to fatigue or reduced motivation. If hormonal changes feel like they’re affecting your ability to function day to day, speaking to your doctor may help clarify your options.
Physical illness or chronic health conditions
Living with illness, recovering from infection, or managing chronic conditions can be physically draining. It’s natural for motivation and energy to drop during these times, but if fatigue feels disproportionate or long-lasting, it may be worth seeking medical advice to rule out underlying causes.
Other causes
Mental health or neurodevelopmental conditions
Conditions such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, or burnout can significantly affect motivation and energy. Tasks may feel overwhelming or pointless, even if you want to engage with them. Accessing assessment and appropriate support can make a meaningful difference to how manageable daily life feels.
Stress, overwhelm, or emotional strain
Ongoing stress or emotional pressure can be exhausting, both mentally and physically. When you’re constantly managing demands or worries, motivation can drop as your system becomes overloaded. While this can be a normal response in the short term, prolonged stress can lead to burnout if not addressed.
Environment and routine
Your surroundings and daily structure can influence how energised and motivated you feel. Lack of natural light, limited movement, isolation, or an unstructured routine may all contribute to low energy. Small changes to your environment or schedule can sometimes help restore a sense of momentum.