Tired of talking about Covid? Tired of the restrictions on your movement and life, tired of being stressed, tired of being scared, tired of masks and sanitizers? Tired of not knowing and tired of the financial implications of the pandemic? Covid fatigue is a very real and strong phenomenon. How many conversations seem to start nowadays with “I’m so over this…” Here’s what you need to do. By Lynda Bryant.
What is the new normal anyway?
Abnormality has become the “new normal.” We have to adapt and develop various ways to cope with both the intense and prolonged stress that we have all been exposed to. Even though movement restrictions have been lifted, we still need to be cautious as we are all still exposed to the coronavirus.
Coping with Covid fatigue
Although we’ve heard this before, we need to begin to help ourselves. Learn how best to cope within the confines of our “new normal.”
1. Don’t let your guard down
Although complacency has seemingly set in, now is the time to not let your guard down. Continue to mask, wash hands regularly, sanitize and social distance. Socialize with friends and family who have similar views and values as you, so that you don’t feel judged.
2. Exercise is medicine
I don’t think any of us will take freedom of movement and being able to exercise outdoors for granted again. Enjoy the beautiful sunshine. Get outdoors or back into a regular exercise routine.
3. Turn your attitude to gratitude
Mindfulness and gratitude are important. Turn your attitude to gratitude. Instead of focusing on the “tired of” and “negatives”, find three things every morning to be grateful for and watch the day shift. This can take practice and time. Be patient and persistent and you will see the results.
4. Change how you think
Constructive thinking – we can’t change the situation, but we can change our response to it. Be kind to yourself and others. The pandemic has affected everyone differently. Whether it is physically, emotionally, financially. Be aware of what others are going through and respond with kindness. Be careful what you are reading and interacting with, especially on social media.
5. Yes, we do need supplements
Look after your health. The Covid pandemic has highlighted the need for people to look after their health. Moving from treatment to prevention. Vitamin C, Zinc and vitamin D are good supplements to use to keep your immune system functioning at its peak. Good gut health is important as this is the base of the immune system. A good probiotic, eating well and maintaining adequate hydration is key to looking after you and your family’s health.
6. Talk about it
Keeping your feelings inside is the same as trying to hold a beach ball underwater. At some point it will pop out and you can’t control where it lands. Make use of a trusted friend or family member to share your feelings with. Or if it feels like things are getting out of your control, talk to a professional about how you feel.
The bottom line
Remind yourself to control the things that you can. Research shows that disillusionment can last for up to a year after a disaster, and this pandemic is nothing like we’ve seen before and it’s not over yet.
About the Author
Lynda Bryant is the founder of Thrive. A pharmacy graduate from Rhodes University, Bryant has a passion for both health and business. At the age of just 26, she purchased her first pharmacy in Kloof, Durban in South Africa. She raised this to provide an integrated wellness store which holistically treats the patient. Lynda marries allopathic treatment with alternative treatments, supplementation and wholesome food, stocks proven good quality supplements, organic and environmentally friendly toiletries and baby products, and healthy food whilst also supporting an added value to the local community.
