Question of the Week
Fighting Pandemic Fatigue
Happy Friday everyone!
Recently, I’ve been talking with a lot of clients who have hit the pandemic wall. They’re irritable, frustrated, and exhausted to name just a few feelings. It’s hard to believe that we are coming upon a year of pandemic life and have a few months to go before everyone will have access to the vaccine. (Congrats to those of you who’ve already gotten it!)
I’ve already discussed some tools to help with fear and anxiety during this time. I’d like to revisit the practical steps of self-care. I was especially amused when talking with a client this week who took some time to take care of himself and felt so much more efficient, energized and hopeful. He said, “maybe there’s something to this self-care thing.”
Here are some practical methods of self-care clients and I have found effective.
- I put my phone in a drawer for at least an hour a day
- meditate every day using Headspace
- I pick a new area of the house to clean every week
- I take a lunch break with my husband every day
- I spend two hours a day in our yard with my kids
- I’ve asked my husband to take care of the kids for three hours in the morning so I can work
- I bought a water bottle that makes sure I get my daily recommended amount of water
- I garden
- I bought a necklace that helps ease anxiety through breathing.
- I journal everyday
- I occasionally close my eyes, take a few deep breaths and feel it in my body
- If my spouse and I find ourselves in argument cycle, we ask for a “do over”
- I bake cookies every weekend
- I do yoga online
- I started learning Italian
- I found some home workout routines for normal folks
Here are readings that have empowered and comforted me:
- 7 Months Into the Pandemic and I’m Losing Motivation. Help!
- It’s Helpful to Protect Your Energy When and I Protect My Energy By
- Beat the burnout: How to fight pandemic fatigue with science
Quote of the Week
“… If you feel “burnout” setting in, if you feel demoralized and exhausted, it is best, for the sake of everyone, to withdraw and restore yourself.” – Dalai Lama
Tasks of the Week
Take a moment every day for the next week to ask, “How am I going to take care of myself today?” Choose something from the list or something completely different. I’d love to hear what you try. Message me at the links below