I think I finally realized I have pandemic fatigue when I left my house recently to walk my dog, Archie. As he led me down the block, I was getting funny looks from people. I know my loungewear choices of late aren’t the most fashionable but I couldn’t understand why people were looking at me. Then it hit me. I wasn’t wearing my mask. After almost a year of putting on a mask every time I left my house, I had forgotten to do so. I think subliminally (or maybe consciously) I was OVER it. Thankfully I had an extra mask stashed in my jacket pocket and I put it on.
But this isn’t the end of the mask story. Later that day, I forgot to wear it again! It’s as if my brain was telling me, “This pandemic might not be over, but I’m over this pandemic.”
Can you relate? Do you feel like you have pandemic fatigue? Well, the good news (if one can call it that) is that you’re not alone. Since the fall, many people in the US and across the world are also feeling pandemic fatigue.
It’s understandable. After months of trying to do the right thing, including wearing a mask (or more recently 2), socially distancing from others, staying mostly at home, and washing our hands or using antibacterial lotion all the time, it’s exhausting.
And if you live in a climate that gets cold in the wintertime, you have to contend with all of the misery and loneliness that the winter months bring on top of navigating the pandemic. It’s enough to make you want to scream, or in my case, casually forget to wear your mask, multiple times.
Related: Tips to help you beat the winter blues
So what can we do about it? Is there anything that can help pull us out of our collective funk and this pandemic fatigue? As someone who has been experiencing this myself and experimenting with ways to feel better, I want to share a few recommendations for things that have helped me. So keep reading to learn about a few things that can help you combat pandemic fatigue.
And just a caveat here – Our mental health is equally as important as our physical health but the recommendations in this post are for people feeling the run-of-the-mill blues. If you are feeling very depressed, stressed out, and/or anxious, reach out to a medical professional or doctor for help.
Things You Can Do to Help With Pandemic Fatigue
Acknowledge it
The first and perhaps most important thing you can do is acknowledge that you are feeling pandemic fatigue. We are not living in normal times so we shouldn’t expect to feel normal. Cut yourself A LOT of slack right now and stop the drillmaster voice in your head that’s telling you to organize your entire house, bake every recipe on Pinterest, or keep your kids fully up to date with school work. We are still processing so many emotions right now about this pandemic, so we can’t expect to operate at full capacity. Instead, be kind to yourself, acknowledge that this is a crazy and historic time we are living through, and take things day by day.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help
Feel like you’re drowning with overwhelm? Well, now is not the time to play the martyr. Reach out for help if you need it. You’ll be surprised how many of your loved ones and friends will say yes. Why? Because it actually feels good when we have the opportunity to help others. And we can all use more of those good vibes and karma right now.
But as I mentioned above, if you are feeling very down and depressed, please reach out to a medical professional for help. Now is not the time to brush serious mental health issues under the rug.
Exercise every day
I’ve talked about the importance of exercise so many times on my blog, so I apologize if I sound like a broken record. But here’s the thing. Exercise is not only good for our physical health. It is also great for our mental health. Even a short amount of exercise each day decreases the body’s stress hormones, adrenaline, and cortisol. Plus, exercise boosts the production of endorphins, a chemical in the brain that’s a mood booster. So do yourself a favor and get your body moving, every day.
Related: My top picks for affordable, at-home workout equipment and gear
Related: Why I love to run
Take a walk outside for a change of scenery and fresh air
I never thought I would say this, but with the pandemic and the various lockdowns and quarantines I’ve experienced, there have been days where I literally haven’t left the house. But here’s what I noticed when that happened. I felt more down and despondent on the days I didn’t get outside for a walk and some fresh air. Now, my husband and I have committed to a daily walk outside every afternoon – even if it’s raining. The walk takes our mind off of things and gives us a change of scenery. We feel more mindful and in the present moment when we are walking which is super important, especially if the voice in your head feels like it’s on a hamster wheel, complaining about pandemic fatigue over and over. A walk outside will help you get out of this mental rut.
Commit to one social plan a week
One thing I’ve noticed about myself is that I feel a boost of happiness after I connect with friends or family. So now I make sure to schedule at least one social commitment per week. Sometimes it’s a walk outside with a friend. Other times it’s a phone call. And when it’s been warm enough, I’ve even met friends for a socially distanced meal or coffee outside. One thing I want to emphasize here is that it doesn’t have to be a video chat. Lord knows we’re all over the multiple zooms, Google hangouts, and Facetime meetings and chats we’ve had over the past year. So go old school with this. Pick up the phone or head outside for a face-to-face, socially distanced meet-up.
Watch a silly comedy
My husband and I are at the point of the pandemic where we are watching silly and easily digestible sitcoms and comedies. Why? Because we just want to feel good and laugh a little. I highly recommend you do the same, especially if you’re feeling down.
First, we made it through all 9 seasons of The Office. And now we’ve just finished The Good Place. We’ve also been watching a lot of animated films. Yes, you heard right. We’re not ashamed of the Disney and Pixar movies we’ve been streaming. They make us laugh, feel good and forget about the state of the world, at least for 90 minutes. And right now, that’s a true gift!
Try Something New
A great way to get out of your head and forget about everything that’s going on right now is by trying something new. When we are focused on learning a new skill, we typically hone in on what we are doing and everything else fades away. We are more mindful and present. It’s almost like reaching a state of flow, which also happens when you do something you truly enjoy.
One thing that I tried recently which really boosted my mood was gathering with our immediate family (that are all in our COVID bubble) and learning how to make homemade pasta. It was a dreary and rainy Sunday, but I didn’t even notice because we were having so much fun making the pasta dough, rolling it out, and making noodles with this manual pasta maker machine. And the best part? We got to sit down for a delicious meal once we finished!
Making pasta might not seem like fun for you, but I’m sure there’s something you haven’t tried which would shift your mind to the present moment and bring you joy. So put together a list of things you haven’t done but want to learn and get cracking!
Are You Ready to Beat Your Pandemic Fatigue?
If you are experiencing pandemic fatigue, I hope you find these tips helpful.
I have tried everything on this list, and all of it has helped me feel better.
If you’ve tried other things that have also been a mood booster, please share and comment below!
And look, if nothing seems to help, remember this. We have turned the corner with this pandemic. With more and more people getting vaccinated, the future is looking brighter every day. We can all see the light at the end of the tunnel. What you’re feeling right now will ultimately pass, so have faith!
Stay safe, stay healthy, and remember that brighter days are ahead, and we will get through this!
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