GORDON LIGHTFOOT | Culture
ENERGY MYSTERY
A Lower Hutt woman has launched a personal investigation this week after once again waking up exhausted despite what she describes as “a pretty chill lifestyle”.
Emma Cartwright, 34, says she is baffled by her constant fatigue, noting that she “doesn’t even do that much”.
“I just don’t get it ay,” said Cartwright, opening her third can of V in as many hours. “I’m not training for anything. I’m not running marathons. I basically sit down all day.”
Cartwright confirmed her daily routine includes driving to work, sitting at a desk, driving home, then sitting on the couch while scrolling on her phone until around midnight.
Diet-wise, Cartwright describes herself as “pretty balanced”, alternating her Uber Eats choices between McDonald’s, KFC and what she calls “healthy options” such as garlic bread.
“I had a Coke Zero instead of normal Coke yesterday,” she said hopefully.
Despite this, Cartwright reports feeling “absolutely wrecked” most afternoons and has begun speculating about underlying causes.
“It could be hormones. It could be stress. It might even be something genetic,” she said. “Mum’s always tired too.”
Flatmate and CrossFit enthusiast Tyler Mason said he had gently suggested that exercise and vegetables might help, but sensed it was not the right time.
“I just said maybe a walk would be good,” Mason said. “She looked at me like I’d suggested moving to Palmerston North.”
Cartwright has now purchased magnesium tablets and a sleep spray from Chemist Warehouse and says she is hopeful they will resolve the issue.
“Once I get my energy back I might start Pilates,” she said. “But obviously I need my energy first.”
Cartwright has confirmed that she is “conserving energy” tonight, by lying down and watching Tiktoks about burnout.
More to come.
