Nearly a year into Covid-19, people around the world are feeling the angst, the loneliness, and the frustration of the virus. It’s called “pandemic fatigue,” and it’s very, very real.
What is pandemic fatigue?
Pandemic fatigue is the exhaustion that emerges because our emotions are being taxed for a prolonged period of time. It’s hard to stay focused with negative headlines bombarding our every waking moment and the fear of getting sick (or getting someone else sick) looming over every social interaction.
But there is a way to feel better! You can overcome pandemic fatigue in four easy steps:
Step 1: Create healthy habits
To keep our physical and emotional well-being intact, it’s crucial we develop good habits. Positive routines like sleeping enough, eating right, and practicing gratitude can do wonders for our ability to deal with stress and disappointment.
I used this time to create an entirely new morning routine–waking up before sunrise, after a solid night’s sleep, then hitting the gym as soon as my feet touch the ground. Which leads me to…
Step 2: Get exercise
Working out is as good for your brain as it is for your body. It can help you process stress, increase your endorphins (those “feel good” neurotransmitters in your brain), and even boost your immunity.
The best kind of exercise is–drumroll, please!–whatever kind of exercise you enjoy. Because I’m passionate about the mountains, I hike as much as I can. That’s because I know how important it is to…
Step 3: Go outside
No joke: just being in nature can relieve stress. In 2019 researchers from University of Michigan published the first paper linking lower stress hormone levels to time spent sitting or walking outdoors.
Spending time in nature is also an easy way to absorb Vitamin D, which research has indicated plays a vital role in regulating the immune system–especially important during the pandemic.
Step 4: Find new passions
Like I said, I love hiking, but because of Covid restrictions, some trails require that you make reservations. A couple of times I haven’t made one in time, so I decided to try something new: rollerskating! With my newfound passion, I can get outside and move my body, reservation or not.
Learning a new skill or game or instrument is great brain exercise. When we challenge ourselves to learn something new, we engage in neuroplasticity–our brain’s ability to adapt and make new connections. The more our brains can adapt, the easier weathering this pandemic will be.
Thanks for sharing, I’ve felt the pandemic fatigue and exercise has really helped me.
This is so helpful! I LOVE this💖
Interesting topic and very insightful tips!
Good job 🙌