If your body feels sore longer than it used to—or recovery seems slower even after normal workouts—you’re not imagining it. What doesn’t help is assuming you need to train harder to get stronger.

If you feel sorer for longer after workouts—or notice it takes more time to bounce back—you’re not imagining it. What doesn’t help is assuming you’re out of shape or need to push harder to “keep up.”

You notice it first in the little things. Workouts that leave you sore for days. A late night that takes an entire weekend to bounce back from. A stressful week that lingers in your body long after the stress is gone.