COVID FATIGUE
Tired of COVID fatigue?
These past number of months have been challenging- to say the least! By now, the term COVID fatigue may not be too unfamiliar, however, it may still pose some confusion.
Not to worry! Let’s take a closer look to clarify what is actually meant by COVID fatigue and also to offer a few tips to combat it.
COVID fatigue is simply a chronic form of extreme tiredness, exhaustion, or burnout individuals may experience while navigating through the current pandemic period.
Symptoms can come in multiple forms. For example, impaired decision making, poor judgement, poor concentration, and forgetfulness are some of the more common cognitive, or thought process-related symptoms. Feelings such as moodiness, anxiety, irritability, depression are some of the more common emotional-related symptoms. Headaches, dizziness, muscular weakness, increased illness, slowed reflexes are some of the more common physical-related symptoms. And finally, lack of interest in others or activities, being less communicative, and increased withdrawal are some of the more common social-related symptoms.
Managing COVID fatigue, or better yet, preventing it, all starts with recognizing its symptoms. Next, it is important to put into place some practical strategies. Watch for the signs and then try to put into action some of the following measures as early as you can:
- Take time off
- Prioritize sleep
- Build mental and physical resilience- thinking realistically
- Eating nutritionally dense whole foods
- Stay hydrated
- Light to moderate exercising (Check with your doctor)
- Set boundaries and practice assertiveness; it’s OK to say no sometimes!
- Purposefully disconnect from technology; Take time off from the news
- Leave the phone, laptop, and tv outside of the bedroom
- Seek support through family and friends- they are there to help just like you would help them if in need
- Access professionals- there are many sources of formal help in the community or through your work place confidential no fee employee assistance program
Although these strategies may not resolve all your issues, implementing them, especially before fatigue sets in, could help you get through these current times a little easier.