10 Simple Steps to Overcome Quarantine Fatigue
Quarantine fatigue is definitely real! So many of us are feeling it and are getting anxious about wanting things to go back how we remember them. This is a challenging time! We are all in this collective traumatic experience. Our feelings and thoughts are running all day long, even if it’s just in the background, we are just ON. We can acknowledge our fatigue, be compassionate to ourselves and others, and find ways to manage it. Rest is definitely important now! Although we may feel like we’re doing nothing physically, our emotions are working hard, so we must rest. I think some of the best things we can do right now are:
Be mindful of what we can and cannot control
For the things we can control (such as our routine, our sleep schedule, our diet, etc etc.) we should make those things a priority and then release what we cannot control.
Get out in nature
Go on nature walks or mindfulness walks. This can be done solo or with your family. During your walk engage your five senses; making note of what you see, hear, smell, taste, and feel.
Remain active
Exercise or dance, or walk, bike ride, etc; just move your body!
Find ways to get creative
Coloring. Cooking or baking a new recipe. Trying a new hobby. Writing. Taking pictures. Etc.
Write
Write down all of the unhelpful thoughts you are having and then shred them or throw them in the trash as a symbol of you getting them out of you and then getting rid of them.
Eat Healthy
Do your best to make healthy and good eating and drinking choices during this time.
Limit our news and social media consumption
There’s a lot of info out there and some of it is false. And the info that is accurate from the CDC, etc etc has been changing. We are in a state of shift! So limit how much shift you expose yourself to on a daily.
Practice mindfulness
Unfortunately, now can be a time to fall into unhealthy habits. Try to be mindful of what we are putting into our body, what we are listening to and watching, and what messages we are feeding ourselves.
Take a drive
Hop in the car with family or solo and take a drive or a “field trip” to a local farm or down the coast just to get a change of scenery and enjoy the views while still practicing and respecting social distancing.
Ask for help
Remember your quarantine fatigue is REAL! You are allowed to feel this way. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need/want it. Even if it’s just asking your family for 1 hour of alone time or quiet time.
Melissa Dumaz is a best selling author and a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist with over 15 years of experience in the mental health field. She specializes in guiding clients through the complexities of overcoming emotional and physical trauma, grief & loss, and improve relationship satisfaction. Melissa passionately supports women through the everyday stressors of modern womanhood, marriage, pregnancy, and life as a mom. www.UHelpYou.com
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