Perhaps the most important thing to understand about pandemic fatigue is that it’s real. We’ve now been dealing with this ongoing global health crisis for almost a year, and we’re still mourning the “normal life” we once knew and trying to get used to this strange new reality.
Humans are social creatures. It’s against our nature to shut ourselves away from family and friends for long periods of time and the lack of regular socializing is challenging. Feelings of frustration and despair are completely natural right now. This isn’t easy, and the grief you may be experiencing is real.
The danger associated with pandemic fatigue is becoming so tired of the measures we’re meant to take — social distancing, wearing a mask in public areas, washing our hands regularly, coming into close contact with only a small group of the same people — that we may start getting lax and taking risks.
But letting these protective measures slip and not being as careful as we once were means we’re putting ourselves, and those around us, at greater risk. And as COVID-19 numbers rise, so does the possibility of repeated lockdowns and closing of schools and businesses.
So the solution is finding healthy ways to cope with pandemic fatigue and recharging your battery so you’re able to continue doing what’s necessary to keep the spread of COVID-19 under control.
Sharp HealthCare, has the following advice that may help you combat pandemic fatigue1:
- Get your information from reliable sources. Staying informed is important, but make sure to get your information from trusted sources like the CDC.
- Stop scrolling. Avoid the temptation of doing endless internet searches that can potentially cause even more anxiety and misinformation.
- Take a news break. It’s important to check local news at regular intervals to make sure you know about COVID-19 details in your community, but try to avoid becoming overwhelmed by constant exposure. If you find yourself getting caught in this loop, walk away from the computer or TV and do something else: read a book, talk a walk, bake a treat for your family or call a friend.
- Take good care of yourself. Stress is hard on the body and mind. Fuel your body with healthy food, make sure you get regular exercise, get as much sleep as you can, practice grounding and relaxation techniques to help calm your mind, and practice regular self-care.
- Stay connected. Yes, we may have to do it differently now, but keep reaching out to friends and family members on a regular basis. We all need that precious contact right now, and it’s an opportunity to help encourage each other to continue taking all the steps necessary to avoid catching or spreading the virus.
It’s important to note that if you’re really struggling, you might want to consider reaching out to your doctor or a mental health professional for help. Anxiety is both common and treatable, so there’s no reason to be ashamed if you’re experiencing it right now – and there’s certainly no need to continue suffering when help is available.
The following resources might also be a good place to start:
In Canada: Wellness Together
In the United Kingdom: National Institute of Mental Health
In the United States: Mental Health America
SOURCES
1 https://www.sharp.com/health-news/are-you-feeling-covid-19-quarantine-fatigue.cfm
Disclaimer: Foresters Financial and its employees, agents and life insurance representatives do not provide, on Foresters behalf, legal, estate, health, medical or tax advice. Consult your physician or licensed healthcare professional for any questions or information about your medical care.
419531B CAN/US (01/21)
