Almost a year into a world-wide pandemic, many are feeling the effects of “Pandemic Fatigue”
According to the UCLA Health Connect, Pandemic Fatigue is the “feeling of exhaustion stemming from the effects of the novel coronavirus on your life.” This fatigue can come from your body feeling the draining effects of loneliness, fear, anxiety, and hopelessness. When your body feels the effects of these emotions, you might notice yourself eating or sleeping less than usual, having a lack of motivation, feeling on edge or nervous, having trouble concentrating, or withdrawing from the people around you.
Emotions are inevitable during this uncertain time, but there are ways to cope. It is important to listen to your body and do what feels right for you. Don’t let your needs get lost in the hustle and bustle of the world around you. Fuel your body with nutrients and fuel it with the care it needs. Try and get at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night, start some mild exercise to get your blood flowing, and drink some water.
As much as your physical health is vital during this time, emotional health is also super important. It is essential to try and understand the emotions we all may be feeling right now, one of the worst things to do is bottle up these new feelings. Accept these feelings and allow yourself to feel them. Try talking out or writing down how you feel. Reaching out to others might bring comfort to see others going through the same thing as you.
Through these hard times, it is important to be flexible and try new things. Pandemic Fatigue is perfectly normal right now but it shouldn’t be something we have to deal with. Taking care of yourself is just as important as wearing a mask or staying socially distancing during times like these.
Hi! My name is Amelia and I am a staff writer for The Mycenaean. I also play club volleyball and enjoy spending my free time with friends and family.