If recovery feels slower—whether it’s from workouts, stress, or even a poor night’s sleep—you’re not imagining it. What doesn’t help is assuming your body is simply “wearing out” or that you need to push harder to keep up.

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.