Do you stay active at the office, but feel overcome by lethargy the moment you get home? An expert explains why this happens..
- byShikha Srivastava
- 04 May, 2026
Do you also experience this—working with full energy at the office, yet feeling a sudden wave of lethargy and exhaustion wash over your body the moment you step across your home's threshold?
Many people find this phenomenon quite strange, but there is a very logical reason behind it. Dr. Pavitra Shankar, an Associate Consultant in the Department of Psychiatry at Akash Healthcare, has explained the true reasons behind this condition in very simple terms.

**'Hidden Stress' is the Primary Cause**
Dr. Pavitra explains that 'hidden stress' is often the underlying factor driving this entire process. When we are at the office, the environment, the constant stream of deadlines, and our responsibilities keep us from slowing down. During work hours, we remain in a constant state of 'active mode'; consequently, our attention is diverted away from our fatigue, and we do not perceive our exhaustion at that moment.
**Why Does the Body 'Give Up' the Moment You Reach Home?**
As soon as we finish our work and arrive home, the immense pressure associated with our job suddenly lifts. The safe and secure environment of our home signals to our body and mind that it is finally time to rest. The moment our mind and body begin to relax, all the fatigue—which we had ignored and allowed to accumulate throughout the day—suddenly overwhelms us all at once. Home is the safest sanctuary; it is precisely for this reason that our body feels free to openly manifest all its accumulated exhaustion there.
**Other Factors That Exacerbate Fatigue**
It is not merely physical exertion; several other factors also contribute to this lethargy. Spending the entire day in front of a laptop or mobile screen, constantly making work-related decisions, and suppressing one's emotions—all these actions silently exacerbate our internal fatigue. In the heat of work, we often overlook this exhaustion, allowing it to gradually accumulate within our bodies.
**How to Combat This Lethargy?** If you want to avoid feeling completely drained after returning home, Dr. Pavitra recommends making a few simple adjustments:
Take short breaks: Do not ignore your fatigue while working. Make sure to take brief breaks periodically throughout the workday.
Reduce pressure: Avoid putting too much pressure on yourself all at once.
Make time for yourself: Amidst the hustle and bustle of the day, carve out a little time to dedicate to yourself.
By adopting these small changes, you can prevent fatigue from accumulating and enjoy your time at home more fully.





