Do You Have Pandemic Fatigue?

Much has been written about the effects of COVID-19 on the body, with symptoms lasting up to weeks or months after exposure. One thing that has been less in the spotlight, but is just as relevant whether you test positive or not, is pandemic fatigue.

As Hong Kong continues to face lockdowns and uncertainty surrounding the virus – especially when the rest of the world has already opened up – stress and anxiety levels continues to rise. After more than two years of Covid-19, pandemic fatigue is definitely a real struggle.

Recognising pandemic fatigue is the first step towards better mental health, and we’ve rounded up some simple steps to combat those feelings of hopelessness below:

1. Tune Out or switch off

Enough with the doom-scrolling on your phone or leaving the news on as background noise, which can leave you feeling anxious, stressed, and just overwhelmed. The solution? Take a break. Put your phone down and turn the television off – don’t feel guilty about not staying up to date with what’s happening in the world. Channel your attention to something more productive or simply something that brings you joy and comfort.

2. Say ‘Ommm…’

Meditation can also still your mind, and setting aside half an hour per day to take a deep breath and clear your mind can do wonders for alleviating stress by slowing down your heart rate and setting it to rest mode. Meditating also allows you to reflect on your thoughts and be in touch with your feelings, which can help you better control your emotions and improve your mental health.

3. Self-care

The pandemic has disrupted our daily routines, no doubt, but you can put it back in order with something as simple as a hot bath (or shower). Practicing self-care in all its forms can help bring down your stress levels, and gives you the opportunity to “start fresh.” It also signals to your mind and body that there’s more to life than work, Covid-19 and all the world’s bad news.

4. Stay Active

Feeling sluggish? Don’t let pandemic fatigue get the best of you. Although most of us are working from home these days, it’s not an excuse to stay glued to the bed or couch.

Set aside time for your regular physical activities, and if you didn’t have any healthy habits pre-pandemic, now would be a great time to start! It doesn’t need to be a strenuous workout either – simply pacing around your living room to get some steps in will do, or pop downstairs for a quick walk around your neighbourhood.

5. Become a Plant Parent

If you missed this trend during the initial days of the pandemic, maybe it’s time you considered it. Gardening has become a form of self-care for a lot of people during Covid-19, due to its ability to improve their well-being, lower stress levels, and add to their physical activity. The influx of flora into our living spaces also allows you to connect with Mother Nature without leaving your home and can connect you with other plant parents on social media.

6. Eat Healthy

We recently shared a list of foods to nourish your body and help recover from COVID-19 faster – but you don’t have to wait to test positive to start eating healthy! Prevent illness by incorporating more greens, nuts, and grains into your diet.

Drink as many fluids as you can, while staying away from overly processed, deep-fried, or sinfully sweet food. Eating better and eating right will help you fight pandemic fatigue, not to mention keep your body in tip-top condition, too.

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