Are you feeling more exhausted these last couple of weeks? Of course, some are working harder than usual - a profound thank you to our hospital workers, truckers, delivery persons and grocery store workers, among others - and some have to now juggle homeschooling kids as well.
But there is something deeper going on contributing to this fatigue that we are all feeling.
Part of it is the disbelief that this can actually be happening. I don’t think everyone has processed that this is real yet. I, myself, feel sort of insulated from the worst of what is happening. Our brains are working hard to process the constantly changing, often conflicting, barrage of information that is coming at us from everywhere.
This flow of constant, often very scary, information takes a toll. Our sympathetic (stress response) nervous systems are all constantly activated right now. This puts a strain on our energy and focus, thereby significantly contributing to fatigue.
Part of it is grief. We are grieving not just the loss of normalcy and spending time with our friends and family. We are grieving the loss of our perceived sense of security and control. Coming to terms with this takes a lot of energy.
Things that our brains have automated, such as grocery shopping, how we do our jobs, running other errands, socializing, etc. now take more brain power. We are now thinking about how to protect ourselves while out shopping for groceries. And how to do our jobs while working from home. Or how to apply for unemployment or other government assistance. These are new activities and a multitude of small and significant new decisions need to be made every day. This can lead to decision fatigue.
So, what can you do?
Acknowledge that these are not normal times. It’s ok to not be as productive as you want. It’s ok to feel you need more sleep and rest.
Turn off the tv, music, podcasts, and screens. Appreciate the quiet. Let your mind rest without all the stimuli for a while each day.
Meditate. Find a comfortable place to sit, feet flat on the floor with a straight spine. Don’t expect to calm your mind - you won’t be able to. Just focus on your breath, notice any thoughts, emotions or sensations. Don't engage or judge - just come back to your breath. Be curious.
Get only as much information as you need each day. Know the line between getting the news you need, and compulsively watching.
Talk to your friends and family about what you are experiencing. Community and connections are vitally important in this time of collective stress.
Journal. It doesn't have to be pretty. Just get your feelings out. Handwriting is best (it engages a different part of your brain).
Sleep more if you need and are able to. Pay attention to what your body needs right now. It’s not being lazy, it’s being healthy.
Move your body, preferably outdoors if you can.
If you continue to struggle for weeks, you might need some assistance from a licensed therapist. I can be reached at 678-631-8099, or email KatHainesTherapy@Hushmail.com
