Pandemic Fatigue: Coping With COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has stretched over a period of months, becoming an on-going marathon rather than a sprint. We still need to limit our activities, face the risk of contagion and the possible consequences, worry for the well-being of our loved ones. Worse, the situation seems to stretch to the following months as well. This has left many people feeling exhausted, physically and emotionally. So, what to do with this fatigue?

It’s Okay To Be Exhausted and Uncertain

The first thing is to acknowledge that it is merited and that it is fine to feel this way. We are living through a stressful and uncertain time, and it’s fine to feel emotionally exhausted and prioritize our health above our productivity. We should not expect this to be the time where we are at our best, because the situation is worrisome, and fatigue is a part of a normal response to an abnormal situation.

The second thing to consider is that we are dealing with a marathon and one with an uncertain finish line. It’s not clear when this is all going change or what measures will be implemented in the future. However, one thing is clear. We need to commit to changes an practices that will benefit us on the long-term and that can help us cope as the situation develops.

Self-Care

One of the main things to consider right now is self-care. There are many practices associated with it, and it might mean different things for different people. Identify the key elements of self-care that are available to you and that help you feel rested and comforted. It might be especially important to get enough breaks and relaxation. Even if you are working from home, it doesn’t mean you have to be engaged all the time. Try to find activities that bring you pleasure and enjoyment and integrate them into your routine as much as you are able. Consider the things that you can do to make yourself feel better and make sure that they are a regular part of your life. Self-care is very important, because it can help you feel more energized and relaxed even if there are stressful things sapping your positive emotions. 

The Fear and Worry

A common emotion in this situation is fear and worry. We might not feel secure knowing what the circumstances are and what to expect. Will there be a lockdown? Will it be enough? The situation we are in is one that naturally induces anxiety, and it’s important to recognize this. However, if anxiety is becoming maladaptive, it might be worth addressing it in a proactive way. Consider what safe ways you have to express it. Is there someone you can talk to, even if it is online? Can you jot down all the worries about the future? Reducing the amount of news content, especially “shock” content, can also be a good way of coping with anxiety. Stay away from newspapers or sites that make you feel scared or hopeless. It’s fine to limit our information intake to prioritize our well-being.

COVID and Your Relationships

The pandemic might also be putting a strain on your relationships, especially the one with your partner. Take stock of the ways it has developed in the past few months. What are the main problems and the main positive things going on with your relationship today? Is there something that can change going forward? When we are cooped up with another person, our stress often comes from a particular situation or set of situations, so addressing the issues that are causing us the most annoyance is often a productive way of going about it. There are practices that can make your relationship feel more satisfying. Gratitude and forgiveness, in particular, are two approaches that might focus your attention on the positive aspects of the relationship. Making a point of pointing out the good every day can reduce the stress you feel about the situation.

Toxic Positivity

An attitude that appeared often at the start of the pandemic, but has continue to crop throughout is one we can define as toxic positivity. It has promoted the idea that this situation has to make people more productive, giving them time to hone skills and acquire new ones. This type of mindset can make us feel guilty that we are somehow not doing enough. However, it is important to remember, especially as the situation continues, that it is not a vacation. We are all under tremendous amounts of pressure from financial concerns, concerns for our safety, and more. It is fine to do what we need to do. If we can find opportunities for rest, family time, or, yes, skill development, that is good, but it is not a reasonable expectation to have. We need to prioritize our well-being.

What’s To Come

There is no way of telling how long will the situation continue. This means that it’s especially important that we prioritize the things that will most help us on the long-term. These involve starting and continuing self-care practices, prioritizing our physical and mental health, and establishing habits that will help us stay well on the long-term. It becomes especially important to sleep well, take opportunities to rest, do things that we enjoy, and invest in our relationships. This might not be the time when we gain amazing new skills (or it  might be), and that is fine.

The best approach for coping with this marathon of a pandemic is through self-compassion. We need to be kind to ourselves and cut ourselves some slack. The key question to ask throughout the upcoming months may be: How can I make this easier for myself? What would help me and be a source of support for me? Of course, we need to take into account our possibilities and responsibilities, but a kinder approach will likely make it easier for us on the long time to cope with the situation.

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