Pandemic Fatigue: How to Cope with COVID Burnout
At this point, we are almost 2 years into the COVID-19 pandemic and continuing to battle the Omicron surge. Many of us are continuing to work from home and have school closures happening or the looming threat is on us. Trying to continue to manage the stress that comes along with this can be daunting and taxing physically and emotionally. It can also be irritating and upsetting to only hear about COVID everywhere you go.
The term COVID fatigue has begun to make its rounds as a way to describe the burnout many of us are feeling right now. The World Health Organization defines pandemic fatigue as being demotivated and exhausted with the demands of life during the COVID crisis. While this is completely natural and normal, it can cause strain in our daily lives.
Burnout can look different for everyone, but here are a few signs you may be experiencing COVID Fatigue:
Feeling emotionally exhausted or cynical
Feeling a new sense of anxiety about the future or preoccupation with thoughts about the future
Being less willing to comply with health guidelines and recommendations
Issues with job performance or relationship issues that did not occur before the pandemic
Managing COVID fatigue can feel like just another thing to do but making some small adjustments to your routine can have a big impact. Here are some tips to managing COVID burnout:
Try to keep your routines as much as possible: Focus on basic needs; make sure you are eating well and have good sleep hygiene. This helps to create some sense of normalcy in a time when most things feel out of control.
Avoid addictive behaviors: During times of uncertainty, those of us who struggle with substance abuse or disordered eating may experience an increase in symptoms and behaviors. Pay attention to any increase and seek out help if needed.
Spend time strengthening relationships you already have: Making new relationships can be emotionally taxing. Now may not be the time to try to create new relationships, rather to strengthen existing relationships. Spend time cultivating and connecting with healthy relationships around you.
Limit news and social media: Many of us can feel overwhelmed with the constant news cycle. Try to limit your exposure to news and to only sources that are trusted and reliable. You also may consider limiting your time on social media as this may increase your anxiety about the world around you.
Get help if needed: It is completely normal to feel overwhelmed right now, but sometimes it may be beneficial to seek out professional help to manage symptoms and improve coping. If you are struggling with COVID fatigue, don’t be afraid to ask for help.
-Elisabeth Chipps, LCPC, LPC