Being present after work when you're completely drained

Dec 28·1 min read

How do you do it? Honest question. I come home after 8 hours and my tank is empty. Kids want my attention, my wife wants to talk about her day, there's dinner and baths and bedtime.

I feel like I'm going through the motions instead of actually being there. Not getting angry or anything, just... checked out. It's probably not fair to my family.

Anyone figured out how to actually be present when you're mentally exhausted?

5 comments392 views

Comments(5)

BBrianRegularDec 28

The trick I found is doing something WITH them instead of FOR them. I sit on the floor and we build legos for 20 mins. Doesn't drain me as much because I'm not performing, just hanging out.

SSean A.RegularDec 30

Have you tried switching your routine? Like maybe a 15 min walk or something when you get home before diving in with the kids. Just to decompress a little.

TTrevor M.New DadDec 30

This is real and I appreciate you asking it instead of pretending you're always energized. Coffee helps me. Also realizing my kids don't need me at 100 percent.

TTravis N.RegularDec 31

Honestly some days my answer is just being in the same room. They're happy if I'm present even if I'm not jumping around like a circus clown. You don't have to be on all the time.

DDominic E.RegularDec 31

The drained feeling is legit but you're already doing better than most just by recognizing it and wanting to fix it. Some guys just zone out with their phone.