Battle Pandemic Fatigue With These Helpful Tips

In a short period of time, the way we live our lives changed with little to no warning. Face masks quickly became the norm, and keeping at least 6 feet apart was requested at grocery stores, parks and nearly every public space. In addition to implementing those changes in our daily lives, we also became accustomed to a constant stream of local and national news coverage of COVID-19.

Over time, some of us experienced what is known as pandemic fatigue. Pandemic fatigue is a feeling of exhaustion as a result of COVID-19’s effect on our lives — from quarantining to losing jobs to fearing illness.

If you’re suffering from pandemic fatigue, Banner – University Medicine has tips to help you manage the symptoms and get back to feeling like yourself.

1. Acknowledge That You May Be Suffering From Pandemic Fatigue

The first step in managing pandemic fatigue is to acknowledge that you may be afflicted with it. Once you take this important step, you can move on to discovering ways to best manage pandemic fatigue.

With the delta variant more widespread and vaccine hesitancy still common, uncertainty can sometimes fuel pandemic fatigue. “The biggest frustration people are facing now is a lack of knowledge,” said Navaid Khan, MD, a Banner Health psychiatrist. “There’s a lot of uncertainty.”

Uncertainty may sometimes discourage people from making plans, which has the potential to lead to even more stress. If you’re unsure of whether you want to make plans for that big, tropical vacation or arrange a dinner with close friends, Dr. Khan suggests making such plans but with the proper precautions in mind. For those eager to make travel plans, he recommends getting vaccinated before their vacation and avoiding crowded indoor activities.

2. Head Outdoors To Boost Your Mood And Health

As simple as it might sound, going outside is a simple and effective way to reset your mind and body. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), spending time outdoors can improve overall health and wellness. In addition to those valuable benefits, taking a break to enjoy the great outdoors may also promote mental health and reduce stress.

3. Take A Break From The 24-hour News Cycle

Although the 24-hours news cycle is a convenient way to stay updated on the happenings at home and abroad, the constant barrage of COVID-19 news can be overwhelming and has the potential to become a source of anxiety. Scott Bartlett, LCSW, a case management director with Banner Behavioral Health, suggested reducing the frequency of or completely eliminating watching news related to COVID-19.

In addition to keeping a careful eye on the amount of news you take in, consider monitoring your social media intake as well. Dr. Khan recommends sticking to just one platform and restricting the time you spend on social media. In regard to social media at work: “Don’t check it at work. It’s not meant for work,” he said.

Learn More About Managing Anxiety In The Midst Of COVID-19

4. Talk Your Way Through Compassion Fatigue

With the pandemic having continued for over a year and a half now, some people may have found that they’ve developed compassion fatigue. Compassion fatigue can look like burnout, detachment and low productivity. Those who are vaccinated may become frustrated with unvaccinated people and find themselves unable to sympathize with people who are sick or even dying.

One way to counter compassion fatigue is to discuss your feelings. Doing so can help you regain your sense of empathy.

“A lot of people thought that by not discussing it, they would forget it or it would go away,” Dr. Khan said. “That’s not true. The answer is to turn to the people around you. The way to deal with trauma is to talk about it. Emotional fatigue can only go away when you process it.”

5. Continue To Keep Yourself And Others Safe

To help beat this pandemic and keep yourself and others safe, it’s vital that you continue to mask up, social distance and take other necessary precautions. The CDC is a great source for the latest updates and precautions to take. The CDC currently recommends that you stay 6 feet away from others, avoid crowds and poorly ventilated spaces and wash your hands often.

Additionally, if you are not fully vaccinated and aged 2 or older, you should wear a mask in indoor public places. Even If you are fully vaccinated — to maximize protection from the delta variant and prevent spreading it to others — the CDC recommends wearing a mask indoors in public if you are in an area of substantial or high transmission.

6. Seek Help From A Professional

If you find that you need professional help to manage your pandemic fatigue, Banner Behavioral Health can provide help today via a telehealth appointment or one in person. “When it’s beyond you and you’re not dealing with it well, it’s time to see a counselor,” Dr. Khan said. Banner Behavioral Health offers a variety of treatment options for adolescents and adults so you receive individualized support.

In a pandemic, managing your stress levels is vital, from seeking professional help to practicing techniques that can lessen your pandemic fatigue. It’s also important that you continue to live your everyday life — safely, of course. “Do not postpone things in your life thinking once the pandemic is over, you’ll do them,” Dr. Khan said. “You need to live your life the way it is now and plan things with the proper precautions.”

Get The Latest News And Updates On COVID-19 From Banner Health

Sources:

Banner: Caring for Your Brain During Stressful Times
Banner: COVID-19
Banner: Pandemic Fatigue: How to Manage COVID-19 Burnout
Banner: This Relentless Pandemic Can Tax Your Mental Health. Here’s How to Cope
Banner: Tips for Managing Anxiety in the Midst of COVID-19
CDC: Are There Benefits to Spending Time Outdoors?
CDC: How to Protect Yourself & Others