Making Shift Happen

251. Why You Feel Exhausted but Can’t Relax

Apr 10, 2026 | Podcast | 0 comments

Jen is wearing a white tank top and black capris as she does a pull-up with her back facing the camera. The episode title is in sky blue font on a white background.

Do you ever feel completely exhausted, but the moment you try to relax, your brain won’t turn off? You’re not alone! And you’re not doing anything wrong.nIn this episode of Making Shift Happen, we’re diving into the common “tired but wired” state that many high-achieving professionals and endurance athletes experience. This is often a sign of nervous system dysregulation, where the body remains stuck in a heightened stress response even when it needs rest.

For mountain bikers, gravel cyclists, endurance athletes, and busy professionals trying to balance training, work, and life, this constant state of activation can impact recovery, sleep quality, performance, and overall energy levels. The good news? There are simple, practical ways to help your body downshift, so listen in.

🎧 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

What it means to feel “tired but wired”
How the nervous system gets stuck in a stress response
Why high-achievers struggle to relax and recover
How chronic stimulation impacts sleep and recovery
The connection between stress, performance, and energy levels
Simple strategies to help regulate your nervous system

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#ShredStrong: Our Month Starts on Monday, May 4, 2026!

#ShredStrong is my year-round strength training program for mountain bikers and gravel cyclists. You can join any time you want, but why not now?! Learn more about the program and sign-up HERE!

Keywords: nervous system regulation, tired but wired, stress and recovery, burnout and performance, recovery for athletes, nervous system dysregulation, high achiever stress, mental fatigue and performance, cycling recovery strategies, endurance athlete recovery

Maybe you’re asking yourself the following questions – if so, listen in!