It’s been a year since we all started hearing the word “pandemic” buzz throughout the globe. Overnight, we found ourselves in an unprecedented global lockdown. The world literally shut down, forcing us into our homes for months.  This past year has left so many of us feeling both physically and mentally unstable, anxious, and powerless. We were ordered to stay home and stay safe, yet we had no idea how long it would last. Weeks turned into months. Some days, it felt like lockdown would never end. The lack of exercise and loss of connection with friends and family has taken a toll on all of us and left us physically and emotionally drained. Between stay-at-home orders, to the fear of catching COVID-19, to the stress of job loss, maintaining our mental and physical health while feeling the exhaustion stemming from the effects of COVID-19 on our lives hasn’t been easy for any of us. 

Feeling burned out by the effects of the pandemic is perfectly normal.  At first, the change was more than startling. None of us knew what to expect next and the images we saw displayed daily on the news and in the media were truly mind blowing. The scene was from a film none of us really wanted to watch and we all had a front row seat. Signs on the freeway telling us to “stay home” and long lines to get groceries where we all have to stand 6 feet apart on circles, wearing face coverings while armed security watched our every move were more than disturbing. Then, there’s the PTSD those of us over thirty will probably live with forever like those that lived through the Great Depression of the 1930’s: Will I ever have enough toilet paper? When I go to the store, I notice I always buy a roll of toilet paper. Whether we need it or not, I buy it. Same if I see Bleach or Chlorox. The insanity of the hoarders freaking out and grabbing all the toilet paper, paper towels, bleach and antibacterial soaps in obscene amounts and stockpiling them in their home, I can’t help but wonder if I will ever get over that little feeling in the back of my mind that says: grab a roll while I can. If that’s all the PTSD I carry with me from this pandemic, I’ll consider myself one of the fortunate ones. By the way, thank you Costco, Target and WalMart for not allowing the hoarders to return their rooms full of toilet paper and antibacterials.

PANDEMIC FATIGUE

Even now, we are constantly adjusting to new rules, policies and restrictions. Keeping up with the ever changing requirements can be confusing. Everything we do, from getting groceries to simply leaving our homes involves new rules and protocols. Intense emotions day after day not only drains our energy, but it also causes pandemic fatigue. Fear, anxiety, loneliness, hopelessness & feeling out of control are all emotions that contribute to pandemic fatigue. By finding a way to let go, adapt, and go with the flow, you’ll find yourself a bit lighter and not as stressed.

PANDEMIC CONS

If we were to create a list of cons, I’m sure we’d all have no problem coming up with items to add to it. The list of pandemic cons can quickly become overwhelming:

• Lockdown

• Isolation

• Unemployment

• Children uprooted

• Schools closed

• Masks

• Mental health/Depression

• Lack of social connection

I’m sure we could go on and on, but what about pros? Have you taken any time to think about some of the positive opportunities that may have arisen over the last year?

PANDEMIC PROS

It may be difficult for us to consider there might be pros to the pandemic, but if we really think about it, I’m sure you can find some positive moments over the last twelve months. At times, we don’t realize that when all is lost, everything is actually gained. In life, focusing on the positive rather than the negative can help us stay motivated to keep moving forward. There have certainly been cons over the course of the pandemic, but if you think about it, you can find positive in the negative. 

• Unprecedented amounts of family time

• Feeling of connection between parents & children

• Less commuting

• More time for fitness

• Improved sleep

• Refocus on our health

• Discipline & hygiene

• Reminded of the little things

• Remote working

SYMPTOMS OF PANDEMIC FATIGUE

The symptoms of pandemic fatigue are similar to those of depression. An overall sense of fatigue and inner weariness, along with feeling helpless, sad, worried, frustrated and irritable are all signs you are fighting pandemic fatigue. You may find you’re sleeping more or less than normal, have brain fog, feel edgy or nervous, have less patience than usual, lack motivation, racing thoughts and withdrawing from others. If this sounds like you or someone you know, you may be suffering from the effects of pandemic fatigue. 

MANAGING PANDEMIC FATIGUE

First, remind yourself you are not alone. We are all experiencing pandemic fatigue in some form or another. No one is immune. Second, by taking extra care to manage both your physical and emotional needs, you will reduce the toll it’s taking on your life. With the use of healthy coping skills, you can not only renew your energy, but also feel more in control.

• Get enough sleep – When you’re feeling stressed and anxious, it’s easy to forget to take care of yourself. Boost your energy and lift your mood by sleeping at least 7 hours every night.

• Exercise daily & maintain a nutritious diet – Motivating yourself to exercise every day and eat nutritious meals will both lift your mood and strengthen your immune system.

• Limit your social media and news intake – You may find taking a break from the news will make you feel better. If you find you have negative emotions while watching the news or looking at social media, take a break and see if you feel better.

• Plan activities – Spend more time focusing on hobbies such as: journaling, scrapbooking, photography, reading, crafts, exercising, or other calming activity you enjoy to lower your stress level.

• Keep a schedule and stay busy

• Connect with others – Humans were meant to have social interaction. You can connect socially by making phone calls, facetime or zoom, social media, take an online class, etc. You can even reach out to us.

• Accept your feelings – What you are feeling is normal. You are not alone.

• Refocus your mind – Motivate yourself to participate in activities and reach out to a healthcare provider and/or friends if you’re feeling overwhelmed.

STAY CONNECTED

Where do you choose to sit on the spectrum of life? The anxiety, stress and unpredictability of the pandemic has caused a global mental health crisis, but together we can and will survive. There is hope. 

A year later, life isn’t as unpredictable. It’s time to fully confront this new world we’re living in and make the choice to either move forward or stand back and watch from the sidelines. We have the option to choose to live in fear or to live life. Choosing to live, explore, wander and continue to seek adventure in the most responsible way we can makes us feel good emotionally, physically and mentally.

Life is a journey & it throws us curveballs. Covid-19 is a curveball. We can’t control the novel Coronavirus, but we can control our reaction to it. We can allow ourselves to adapt. We can be safe. We can make good choices for ourselves & our families. We can continue to live life. Keep masking up. Wash your hands often. Don’t touch your face. Keep a safe distance from others. Whether strangers, friends, or family, if you’re close enough to take in their respiratory droplets, you are way too close.  

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, would like a sounding board or would like feedback on your blueprint, or simply have more suggestions, drop us a line or leave a comment. You are not alone. Together, we can help each other. Together, we are stronger.