How To Conquer Pandemic Fatigue
By: Belinda Jo Whitmore
Tags: Anxiety, Pandemic Fatigue, Emotional Intelligence, Health, Mental Health

Are you tired of wearing a mask, tired of social distancing? Most of all being uncertain of your loved ones or yourself contacting this dreaded disease? Are you tired of feeling uncertain about the future and wondering when and if things will ever return to normal?

Many have been isolated for months from loved ones because of being unable to travel, or in order to protect them from this disease. Under these circumstances it is easy and normal to feel depressed, and unmotivated. There are ways to conquer pandemic fatigue.

.What is Pandemic Fatigue?

.Why do we need to be worried about Pandemic Fatigue?

.What everyday practices can you put into place?

What is Pandemic Fatigue?

According to WHO-World Health Organization, “Pandemic Fatigue is an expected and natural response to a prolonged public health crisis-not least because of the severity and scale of the Covid-19 pandemic have called for the implementations of invasive measures with unprecedented impacts on the daily lives of everyone, including those who have not been directly affected by the virus itself”. Pandemic fatigue is not a disease, it’s a normal reaction to the the constant stress caused by the Pandemic.

Some common signs of Pandemic Fatigue:

. Having a hard time concentrating

. Having a hard time sleeping or oversleeping

. Over eating or loss of appetite

. Irritability

. Lack of motivation

. Procrastination

. Angry

. Feeling Hopeless

Why do we need to be worried about Pandemic Fatigue?

Pandemic Fatigue can be a serious threat to our lives and to others. If we start to let our guard down and stop following the rules that are mandated for staying healthy and safe. We may decide that we don’t need to wear a mask. ‘Some have lost their lives in making this decision’. Or perhaps because we are tired of being restricted we may decide to socialize more than what is mandated. We may become careless about the virus, even while it continues to spread and kill.

What everyday practices can you put into place?

Daily Routine.

Have a regular daily routine keeps you focused on the things you need to do instead of thinking about all the things that could go wrong.

Set aside time to do secular work, schoolwork and household duties, as well as time for self-care. Incorporate other healthy activities such as spending time with family, getting outdoors for fresh air, sunlight and exercising. From time to time review your schedule and change it if necessary.

If you find yourself needing a break mentally and emotionally, try reading a book that will put you into another place or time. Listen to music or read quotes that will inspire you.

Stay at a distance physically but not socially.

Stay Connected

Having family and friends in your life that truly love and care about you keeps you healthy and positive mentally and emotionally. Keep in touch with them through video chats, phone calls text and emails. Encourage them by checking in with them on a regular basis to see how they are doing.

Exchange tips on what is working for you to endure during the pandemic. Look for ways to do something kind for someone else, and you will make a bad day feel better and feel better yourself.

Make the best of your situation:

When we make the best of our situation we are able to stay positive and keep our focus on what we can do instead of what we can’t do. It helps us to stay free from worry and fear.

We can look for ways to take advantage of the situation. For example, are there projects that you have been wanting to do that you now have time for? Are there classes that you can take? Can you learn a new language or take the time to know your family better.

Adapt to seasonal changes:

Depending on where you live seasonal changes may reduce your chances to get fresh air and sunlight which are crucial for your mental and physical health.

Try This: If winter is coming , try to adjust your living room or work area to get all the sunlight you can. Plan for activities outdoors that can be done despite the cold weather.

If summer is coming, people will spend more time outside, so be safe. Plan where you will go, and choose times when it will be less crowded.

Keep putting into practice Covid-19 safe manners it means your life and the life of others. It’s nothing to play with or think lightly about.

Make it a habit to check reliable local guidelines and consider whether you are still being cautious. Pay attention to how your actions will affect you and others. Be safe.