LOCKDOWN FATIGUE

 LOCKDOWN FATIGUE

WHAT IS LOCKDOWN FATIGUE?

Lockdown fatigue is a term that we hear from all around a lot in these days, and though it is not an actual clinical diagnosis, its something which many of us can relate to. It can manifest in many ways but, in essence, lockdown fatigue refers to the impact of having to deal with the rollercoaster of emotions brought on by covid-19. Routines have been upended, relationships have been strained, financial worries have heightened, and at the same time, we have had to get to grasps with an uncertain future. Lockdown fatigue have hit everyone differently but the overarching feeling is one of exhaustion, a lack of focus, as well as lower motivation. On top of this, some people have also experienced forgetfulness and difficulty concentration( sometimes referred to as brain fog), with some patients even highlighting it as a last effect of long- Covid. 

These symptoms are only exacerbated by anxiety and stress, which were on the rise even before pandemic. But they are now amplified further by financial worries, health anxieties and the mounting responsibilities that have emerged in wake of the pandemic. Overall, our stress and cortisol levels may be higher and we might feel like we were in a constant state of fight or flight or fight mode, because we were surrounded by tangible problems. We were in a higher arousal state, and keeping the body in this high state of alert can really take its toll on our energy levels, leaving us feeling exhausted and burned out. 

HOW TO TACKLE THE PROBLEM OF FATIGUE?

To take care of yourself and beat this fatigue, it is important to accept the difficult emotional experience and that fact that we have to go through this uncertainty. Instead of attempting to make the future predictable, it is important to focus on the things you can control on a daily basis. Do not suppress your emotions. Amidst all the professional and personal work, one should take out some Me-time where they can do anything that keeps them calm and relaxed. Do not stretch it beyond an hour from your previous routine. 

You know lockdown fatigue has set in, when you:

• Feel exhausted throughout day
• Dwell too much on the future and uncertainties.
•  Cannot focus on the task at hand
• Have given up maintaining a routine
• Are not getting adequate sleep

Beat the fatigue by:

• Stay motivated and active
• Have a good diet and hydrate daily
• Avoid sleep during day
• Keep laptop and mobile away while sleep
• Maintain social connections virtually
• Look for the silver lining and live in the present
• Take time to care and get healing for yourself
• Avoid all unhealthy thoughts
• Practice breathing exercises, yoga and meditations