Why Are Indian Students Always Tired? Top Solutions to Boost Energy

Many Indian students struggle with constant fatigue, even when their daily routine doesn’t seem overly demanding. This exhaustion stems from stress, unhealthy habits, and modern lifestyle challenges. Let’s explore the reasons behind this persistent tiredness and practical ways to overcome it.

1. The Stress Cycle That Never Ends

For students, life is a whirlwind of exams, assignments, and high expectations from parents, teachers, and themselves. This pressure triggers cortisol, a stress hormone that increases blood sugar levels and drains energy even when sitting idle.

Imagine preparing for board exams where deadlines, revision schedules, and family expectations weigh heavily on you. Despite studying hard, the mental strain leaves you too exhausted to focus effectively.

How to Break Free:

• Divide tasks into smaller, manageable chunks to reduce overwhelm.
• Practice mindfulness techniques like meditation or deep breathing for a few minutes daily.
• Focus on positive relationships that encourage and support you instead of draining your energy.

2. Screen Time: Draining Energy Without You Noticing

Most students spend hours scrolling through social media, gaming, or binge-watching shows. Apps are designed to be addictive, keeping you glued to your screen while your energy silently slips away.

For instance, you might sit down intending to check Instagram for 10 minutes, only to realize an hour has passed. This cycle leaves you mentally tired and guilty about wasting time.

What You Can Do:

• Set time limits for app usage using tools like Digital Wellbeing or Apple Screen Time.
• Replace scrolling with engaging hobbies like reading, drawing, or learning a new skill.
• Establish phone-free zones, especially during study or bedtime hours.

3. Skipping Physical Activity Isn’t Saving Time

Many students think skipping exercise will give them more time to study. However, a lack of physical activity reduces energy levels and overall productivity.

Even during exam prep, a 20-minute workout or a brisk walk can clear your mind and make your study sessions more effective.

Simple Steps to Stay Active:

• Start with light activities like stretching or yoga at home.
• Commit to a consistent routine, even if it’s just twice a week.
• Choose fun activities like dancing or playing a sport to make exercising enjoyable.

4. Too Many Decisions, Too Much Exhaustion

Every small decision you make, from what to wear to which app to open, consumes mental energy. Over time, this leads to decision fatigue, leaving you feeling foggy and tired.

Think of the time you spend debating what to eat or scrolling through endless options on shopping apps. It might seem harmless, but these choices add up, draining your mental reserves.

Ways to Simplify Decisions:

• Plan your wardrobe, meals, and study schedule the night before.
• Follow routines to minimize unnecessary choices.
• Learn from successful individuals who reduce decision fatigue by simplifying their daily habits.

5. Sleep Quality Over Quantity

Many believe that sleeping for 8–9 hours is the key to feeling refreshed. However, inconsistent patterns, poor sleep hygiene, or oversleeping can leave you groggy.

For example, sleeping irregular hours during the week and compensating with long naps on weekends often leads to sluggishness.

Tips for Better Sleep:

• Stick to a consistent sleep schedule whenever possible.
• Avoid screens before bedtime to improve sleep quality.
• Experiment to find your optimal sleep duration—whether it’s 6 or 8 hours—and incorporate short naps if needed.

6. Food Choices and Energy Levels

Unhealthy eating habits, such as relying on chips, and sodas, or skipping meals, directly impact your energy. Processed foods give a quick boost but lead to a crash soon after.

For instance, having a sugary drink before a study session may keep you awake briefly but leave you more tired in the long run.

Eating for Energy:

• Eat smaller portions and stop when you’re 80% full.
• Plan meals with balanced intervals: dinner at least two hours before bedtime, and breakfast 14 hours after.
• Prioritize fresh, home-cooked meals over processed snacks.

7. The Hidden Cost of Consumerism

Modern businesses profit from your exhaustion. From caffeinated drinks to “productivity tools,” these quick fixes often provide temporary relief while fueling long-term fatigue.

Think of energy drinks you consume to stay awake during late-night study sessions. The immediate effect is short-lived, but the resulting energy dip lasts longer.

How to Stay Mindful:

• Choose water or fresh fruit juices over sugary sodas and energy drinks.
• Avoid falling for marketing gimmicks; focus on sustainable lifestyle changes instead.

8. Rediscovering the Power of Purpose

When you’re genuinely excited about something, you’re less likely to feel tired. On days filled with tasks that ignite your passion—be it playing a sport, learning a new skill, or working on a creative project—your energy levels soar.

Contrast this with a monotonous routine where nothing excites you. The lack of purpose leaves you sluggish and unmotivated.

How to Stay Energized:

• Schedule at least 20–30 minutes daily for activities you genuinely enjoy.
• Identify long-term goals that excite you and break them into actionable steps.

9. Toxic Relationships Drain Mental Energy

Spending time with people who constantly criticize or discourage you can exhaust you emotionally. On the other hand, positive, encouraging relationships can help you recharge.

If you’ve ever felt more tired after a conversation with someone, it’s a sign they might be affecting your mental energy.

What You Can Do:

• Set boundaries with people who negatively impact your mood.
• Surround yourself with supportive friends or family members who inspire confidence.

10. The Importance of Taking Breaks

Working non-stop without breaks reduces productivity and increases fatigue. Short breaks during study sessions can refresh your mind and help you focus better.

For example, a quick 5-minute stretch or a short walk between chapters can prevent mental exhaustion.

How to Use Breaks Effectively:

• Follow the Pomodoro Technique: work for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break.
• Use breaks to move around, hydrate, or do something relaxing like listening to music.

11. Balancing Expectations and Reality

Balancing societal, parental, and self-imposed expectations can overwhelm students. Trying to excel in academics, extracurriculars, and personal goals simultaneously can lead to burnout.

Communicate your priorities clearly with your family. For instance, explain why focusing on one subject might be more practical than juggling five extracurriculars.

Key Strategies:

• Focus on what’s achievable and let go of unnecessary pressures.
• Prioritize tasks that align with your long-term goals.

12. Redefining Productivity

True productivity isn’t about cramming every hour with tasks. Overworking yourself without rest leads to diminishing returns and fatigue.

Instead of staying up all night juggling assignments and online courses, focus on completing just 2–3 key tasks daily. This ensures better results with less burnout.

Reclaim Your Energy

Tiredness is often a result of small, cumulative habits rather than one big factor. By managing stress, limiting screen time, staying active, eating well, and finding purpose, you can rebuild your energy reserves and stay motivated.

Remember, the world needs people who are alive and passionate about what they do. Find what energizes you and make it a part of your daily life.