3 ways to manage the Pandemic Burnout

It’s been more than a year into the pandemic and it doesn’t seem to end. Pre-covid era was so colorful with meets, dine-outs, movie outings, parties and no masks! Now it feels like we are in a Black and white movie with no music-the gloominess, loneliness, anxiety, and loss of control over our day to day routines. Isolation is hard even for an introvert! We have hit the wall more than once in the last year.

We have become noticeably irritable, less motivated, less hopeful, and less interested in things which typically appealed to us. We have reached our breaking point because we don’t know when it’s going to end. The uncertainty and the unpredictability is getting to us.

2020 has ended officially and I was expecting a miracle to happen with the onset of 2021, and the expectation is justified! I had followed all the lockdown rules, worn my mask, taken precautions for not just one month but for several months , I wanted my reward at the end of the year .But, what do I get- News of new Covid strains !! Really God :(

It’s been a lot of trial and error to cope with the chronic exhaustion. Let me share the 3 top ways or what I lovingly call it ‘My ToolKIT’ with you all to manage the pandemic burnout.

1)K — Keep the stress triggers at bay:

Anything that’s causing you stress ,be it the overwhelming news on social media or news channels or talks with friends on how the pandemic is killing people. Limit it. Don’t internalize or personalize the stress

2) I- Include exercise and good diet in your routine:

Never underestimate the power of good food and a good workout. Exercise reduces levels of the body’s stress hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol. It also stimulates the production of endorphins, chemicals in the brain that are the body’s natural painkillers and mood elevators. And of course nutritious food is equal to good health and stronger immunity and nothing like home cooked meals!

3) T- Take time out to connect with your ‘Genuine connections’:

They make us feel safe and validated .It’s important we take time to share our feelings and listen and support others. Socialize safely. Spend time with your pets or get one if you can afford good care for them.

Well, this toolkit helps me going in this pandemic but of course I have my dark moments too but I keep trying!

Be Kind to yourself and be grateful of your blessings!