Many people, myself included, are feeling what I call Covid Fatigue. Probably, not an official term, but it’s likened to that feeling in the morning that induces you to stay in bed. I hear and see what’s being reported in the news and it is distressing. Why are people acting in the most nonsensical ways? My opinion is that they are experiencing Covid Fatigue. They may have a sense of purposelessness, added by days that are filled with paranoia, uncertainty, and emotional exhaustion. I’m reading a lot in the news about people having heightened feelings of anxiety, depression, and overwhelming stress, and yes, they are feeling angry too. Little wonder when people are experiencing job loss, food insecurity, wondering how they will educate their children safely, the wearing of face masks, the endless hand washing, hand sanitizing, and social distancing! This creates so much distrust and feelings of being out of control. There is an increase of people turning to drugs and alcohol to help mitigate their emotions and cope with the pain. Of course we all know this is an unhealthy option. So how can we get back on track?
Last week during the Reno Gal Says segment for What’s the Story Plus Book Hound, I shared a long list of personal changes I’ve noticed in myself since all this began in March 2020. Due to the unfortunate realities of lock down and quarantine and all the rest of it I created change to better cope. I’d like to continue that theme. I found a great YouTube video from a style influencer I follow. What she said is exactly how I felt and was trying to convey, but perhaps a little more focused than what I could do! I’d like to highlight her take on finding motivation and inspiration during tough times.
- Practice self care. Self care is what every human has the right to do. It means taking care of our physical, emotional, and mental health. Self care energizes us, and fills us with the proper motivation to get to all the other things in our life that need to get done.
- Journaling–write down feelings, make lists, or your plans for self care. Make appointments for fun things to do.
- Listen to your breathing. This is a form of meditation and it has a calming effect. It’s a quieting of your mind, and learning your own patterns, personal rhythms and routine.
- Get in touch with nature. Even if you can’t leave your home you can do this! I have a simple hummingbird feeder outside my kitchen window. A little hummingbird comes by every day to feed from it. I can hear its wings so fast they hum. This little creature puts a smile on my face. I’ve studied it as it sits still on a tree branch. I can see its colorful feathers as it sits preening, or cleaning off its sword-like beak. I’m filled with an inner peace. When you are in touch with nature what do you feel? What do you see? What do you hear? It’s absolutely amazing.
- Find a new hobby. This could be anything! Writing, painting, photography, learning a new language. It’s completely up to you and what is gratifying to you.
- One I hadn’t thought of before the video was collect firsts. Is there a museum you have never been to (many offer virtual tours these days) Is there a certain recipe you’ve always wanted to try? Perhaps it’s simply a different route on your daily walk. Recently I went on a big hike up in the mountains near my home. I hadn’t been there in over twenty years! So that kind of counts as a first I think. Whatever it is do something that will get you out of your regular routine.
- Rest! So important. It’s okay to be a little lazy. This is how the body heals itself and regenerates healthy cells and thinking patterns.
I hope these highlights helped motivate and inspire you the way they helped me.
What Self Care is and What it Isn’tÂ
5 Ways to Find Motivation and Feel Inspired (even in tough times) Justine LeConte
How You View Successes (and Failures) Says A Lot About You
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April Voytko Kempler is the author of The Altered I: Memoir of Holocaust Survivor Joseph Kempler available on Amazon in print and ebook and Barnes and Noble in print format, and anywhere books are sold.
April Voytko Kempler's Blog - Reno Gal Says 