Living and merely existing are two different things. Back in 1943, Abraham Maslow outlined five layers of basic human needs, which are essential for understanding when a soul feels weary or depleted. The most basic needs, like air, food, and water, must be met first before higher-level needs can be addressed. People with tired souls often feel a deeper yearning, and experts, including transformational coaches and philosophers, have identified some subtle signs that relate to these needs.
7 Imminent Signs Your Soul Might Be Tired and Dying
The 5 Core Human Needs
When higher-level needs are neglected, it is the spirit and soul that suffer first, not necessarily the body.
There are many people who may have money, hundreds of friends on social media, and active lives, yet still feel like their true selves are fading and becoming numb.
Pay Attention: 7 Signs Your Soul Is Being Neglected
It’s important to watch out for the subtle signs of neglect—ignoring them can mean wasting valuable time that you can never get back.
1. You Constantly Worry About The Future
If you find yourself constantly dwelling on past events, worrying about the future, or feeling stuck in the same phase of life for too long, it could mean that your true desires are not being fulfilled.
A person who is self-actualized and pays attention to their soul’s needs feels comfortable living in the moment without getting stuck there.
They stay mindful of their future goals and take steps toward them, trusting the Universe, God, or fate to handle the parts that are beyond their control.
Constant worrying can also be a signal that some of your basic human needs—such as love, a sense of belonging, and confidence—need more attention, as noted by Michelle Wellness.
2. You Defend Your Mistakes Instead of Learning from Them
If people around you point out that you’re making excuses rather than taking responsibility for your mistakes, it may be a sign that you’re more focused on defending your actions than learning from them.
Someone who takes care of their soul understands how their actions affect others and has the courage to admit when they are wrong.
Confidence and self-love are essential to realizing that your life is still meaningful and valuable, even when you make mistakes.
3. Your Inner Voice Is Harsh and Critical
You spend your entire life with yourself, so if your inner voice is harsh and critical, it is a strong indicator that your soul is feeling tired or even depleted.
When you engage in negative self-talk, it often means that something deep inside isn’t right. The source of this could be related to your job, a toxic relationship, unmet goals, unresolved personal issues, or fears from the past.
That inner voice only speaks to you and sometimes uses tough words to grab your attention. While you may not be at the root of every problem in your life, only you hold the key to finding solutions.
4. You Hold On to Things You Should Let Go Of
Clinging to relationships that have lost their meaning, allowing bitterness and unforgiveness to take root, or turning something meant to be temporary into a permanent lifestyle are signs that you are holding on to what no longer benefits you.
A person who is truly self-actualized finds purpose and value in each stage of life, even if it is unfamiliar or uncomfortable.
Holding on to outdated people or situations stretches your soul to its limits, and there is only so much strain it can take before it breaks.
5. Most of Your Day Is Spent Doing What You Dislike
It’s a fact that not everyone gets to do what they love all the time. Being mature means understanding and meeting responsibilities, but if you find yourself only looking forward to weekends for a small glimpse of happiness, it might be time to rethink your priorities. You don’t need a mid-life crisis to discover real joy.
A soul that is well cared for doesn’t need huge changes to feel happiness, although sometimes making changes can be helpful. It is about finding small moments of joy each day.
Whether it’s humming a tune you love, sharing a good laugh, or taking a short walk in nature, these little things can break up the routine and add joy to your day.
Your job might not match what you once dreamed of, but it shouldn’t take all of your energy, creativity, or happiness—nothing should have that kind of power over you.
6. You Struggle to Say “No” When Needed
While everyone needs companionship and a sense of belonging, being a people-pleaser can be draining and damaging.
If you start feeling resentful because others take advantage of your kindness, it signals that there is a problem.
There is a difference between being compassionate and allowing others to drain your energy, time, or even financial resources.
You can’t truly enjoy your life if you feel drained and resentful because you give too much of yourself away without limits.
Setting healthy boundaries is not only necessary for you but ultimately better for everyone involved.
7. You Neglect Taking Care of Yourself
This brings us to the final point: if you can’t remember the last time you did something special for yourself, it is a clear sign that you need to refocus on self-care. Self-care, or more accurately self-love, is essential for living a truly fulfilling life. It looks different for everyone. For some, practicing self-love might mean starting the day with a nutritious breakfast.
For others, it could mean going to bed early rather than staying out late. For another person, it might be staying up to watch the stars or enjoying a movie that touches the heart. Understanding what moments mean the most to you and incorporating them into your routine can help reignite your passion for life. Feed your soul with those special moments.