Fatigue From Pandemic And How To Cope With It
Millions of Americans are trying to find out why they always feel exhausted. Frequently, this kind of feeling leads them to depression, overeating, and unhealthy sleeping habit.
Suppose you are among the millions suffering the same condition, and you started feeling the fatigue just recently. In that case, one apparent reason for such an experience is the pandemic, which has been going on for more than half-a-year now.
According to Viva Wellness, cofounder and licensed mental health counselor Rachel Gersten, this phenomenon is intense since living through this global health crisis "is straight-up exhausting."
Gersten adds that before the pandemic, many people had the energy to attend to their everyday tasks while they built in some self-care regimens.
But with the occurrence of COVID-19, many people have developed a much lower level of energy. Meaning, after doing the basics such as showering, eating, and working, there's a little to totally no energy left for extra activities like exercise, for one.
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Set up a healing space at home to cope with fatigue.
5 Coping Strategies You can Try
Sadly, because of our apprehensions about the pandemic, even the activities beyond the regular ones, we are now beneficial to our mental health. The good news is that there are ways that can help you deal with fatigue. Here are 5 of them:
1. Take Things Easy
If you're struggling to find the motivation to run five days each week as you did before the pandemic, don't blame yourself. Gersten says it is completely normal to exert less energy nowadays since we are limited with what we can do and where we can go because of the quarantine protocols.
The expert also said, spending time criticizing yourself is not just a waste of time, but of the precious energy, too, you are trying to save for essential activities.
2. Look for a New Coping Strategy You can Try
Whether you cannot attend to your favorite unwinding activities because of the pandemic or are just so bored of your regular self-care practices, Talkspace therapist and licensed mental health counselor Bisma Anwar recommends considering branching out.
Anwar also says, trying something new and exciting like cooking or painting might bring motivation to keep up the activity.
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3. Do Something that Boosts Your Mood Every Day
Probably, taking the time in the morning to sip a cup of coffee or tea in silence will help start the day right. Another option is YouTube. Look for some feel-good videos that will definitely make you smile.
Anwar suggests doing this first thing as it will help boost your mood every day. That way, you are doing something to guarantee you feel even just a little positivity every day.
4. Set Up a Healing Space at Home
Apply organizing principles when setting up your home in a manner that supports your healing. Experts recommend the practice of "qi gong every day" as an essential part of healing, although you might need more space for this as you will need equipment like a CD player, CD, and a timer in a nearby closet.
5. Talk with People Your Trust Openly
Invite people who matter to you to support you in your journey to healing.
An 18th-century Hassidic rabbi from Ukraine, Nachman of Breslov, was famously quoted for saying, "a little bit is also good."
Therefore, healing and meditation experts say that wherever one is in his healing, taking steps to strengthen even just one aspect of the journey can make a real difference in preparation for a healthier future.
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Oct 31, 2020 06:00 AM EDT
