Tips to recognise, prevent & manage Lockdown Fatigue
Restrictions imposed on our lives as a result of living in & out of lockdown, are causing psychological, physical, & emotional effects, including physical & mental exhaustion.
Lockdown fatigue is a state of exhaustion caused by the long-term effects of Covid-19. It’s a complex fatigue that is cumulative due to the extraordinary way Covid-19 has affected our lives & the ongoing problems it presents us. We’re constantly having to adjust to new measures & have lost our old normal way of life.
And any loss brings grief.
You may feel sadness, anger & fear
You may experience a lack of morale & optimism, hopelessness & depression
The relentlessness of the virus may cause irritability & negativity
You may experience a lack of control & certainty, resulting in confusion, difficulty making decisions & maintaining a routine
So how do we manage or prevent lockdown fatigue?
• Be kind to yourself, feel your feelings & express them. It’s ok to not be ok.
• Be kind to others. We’re all in this together.
• Take time away from the media & news.
• Connect with people in your work/personal life. We may be physically isolated from friends & family, so it’s important to reach out & connect in any ways we can.
• Try to keep healthy routines of work, fun, relaxation, sleep, exercise, food & water. As our lives are turned upside down, it’s important to hold on to our health, both physically & mentally.
• If you’re having negative thoughts – try to balance each negative thought with a positive one. Keep up or go back to mental health strategies such as breathing & Cognitive behavioral exercises
•Use this time to start a new project or hobby & stay productive.
• Be open to accepting help & support. Don’t be afraid to say you’re not coping to a friend or relative.
• Reach out to a psychologist or GP
And remember, this won’t last forever.
*If you’re struggling with lockdown fatigue, or any aspect of covid-19, you can still seek support. Many GPs & psychologists offer Telehealth appts & hotline resources are available:
Lifeline 13 11 14
Beyond Blue Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service
1800 512 348
The National Coronavirus Helpline 1800 020 080