COVID-19 Fatigue and How to Deal
By no means do I write this out of ignorance to the consequences of exposure, but I can’t be the only one experiencing COVID-19 fatigue. We’re all so concerned about our physical health, but let’s not forget about our mental health.
What do I mean by fatigue?
Similar to compassion fatigue, COVID-19 Fatigue is the mental exhaustion, frustration, and apathy caused by the stress, paranoia, and life adjustments created by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Symptoms of COVID-19 Fatigue include but are not limited to:
Boredom from self-isolation and social distancing
Paranoia of contracting the disease
Obsessive fear of dying from the disease
Tiredness of hearing about the disease
Overwhelmed by the influx of COVID-19 emails
How to deal with COVID-19 Fatigue:
Continue your daily routines as much as possible. During trying times, it’s easy to come up with excuses, but try to maintain a normal lifestyle as much as you can.
Live your life! While adhering to the WHO, CDC, and your local government’s guidelines, continue to be you and live your life.
Self-care! — Can’t go to the gym? Push the furniture aside and workout in the living room. Take your dog for a walk. Salon is closed? Do your own nails. Or make a TP fort with all that toilet paper you’re hoarding. You get the idea.
Check in with friends and family. Video chats/teleconferences don’t have to just be for work. Schedule video calls with your friends and family too!
Avoid or limit media exposure. Your most reliable sources will be the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control. Not your Facebook friends.
Be nice to people. Illness happens. Diseases spread. It’s no one’s fault. Help to reduce stigma by staying informed.
I know this seems like an uncontrollable situation, but you can control YOU and how you can handle the situation. A healthy mind, is a healthy body.
