A New Variant of COVID Fatigue
Ya’ll…I’m a firm believer that you don’t have to test positive to feel COVID-related fatigue. Even with all the mindfulness tools I have at my fingertips, some days an overwhelming sense of weariness gets the best of me. This excerpt from HealthDay pretty much sums it up, “You’ve gotten vaccinated. You’ve gotten boosted. You wear your mask, maintain social distancing, wash your hands—you do everything you’ve been asked to do to protect yourself and others.
And you are completely fed up.”
It’s not like life wasn’t challenging before the pandemic, but COVID and its many mutations keep adding new layers of stress. This video from comedian Trey Kennedy pretty much sums up how relentless this series of events has been. First there was OG COVID–beefing with “pre-COVID COVID,” of course–then Delta upped the stakes and now Omicron has hit us like a tidal wave just as restrictions, and attitudes, have loosened up.
If you’re experiencing COVID fatigue you are not alone. Cue this video of our Zoom etiquette slowly deteriorating or this one of Adele tearfully apologizing to her fans for canceling her Vegas tour dates because of…well…take a wild guess.
I’m not going to write about leaning into your resilience muscles or focusing on gratitude (even though there’s no denying that both strategies are helpful). I want you to allow yourself to feel your feelings. All of them. As Brené Brown says in her most recent book, Atlas of the Heart, “[..W]hen there are things outside of my control that do demand high alert–COVID for example–I know running away from the pain and anxiety is way more risky than leaning in and locking eyes with it.” As difficult as it may be, try to sit with whatever comes up and give yourself grace.
When I start feeling discouraged and down about the continued impact COVID is having on our lives I am reminded of the teachers and healthcare workers that are dealing with the surge in a much more direct and stressful way. Perhaps we can all take a moment to send positive energy and/or say a prayer for them right now. Heck, maybe even send a greeting card or Starbucks gift card to encourage them. I have several teachers in my crew and my daughter is currently training to be a nurse at a hospital. Wow, I am starting to feel better as I am writing this. Ding, ding, ding, giving to others always elevates my vibe.
In addition to leaning into my emotions, and acts of kindness, my latest coping strategy is cleaning and decluttering. I’m talking epic cleaning and decluttering, the kind of thing usually done during the spring. The world may be full of uncertainty, but my spice cabinet is on point. The cleaning process has allowed me to channel my anxious energy to something productive, something I can control. The side benefit is, as I find myself at home more again, at least my apartment is sparkly and organized. Check out my blog A Clean Space for a Clear Mind for more tips on creating an oasis of order and calm in the midst of an uncertain world.
I’m cautiously optimistic that there’s light at the end of the tunnel, but I’m also not going to hold my breath. There might be another variant, another spike in infections and another wave of fear and stress. In the meantime, I’m allowing myself to admit how tired I am and how helpless it all makes me feel. There’s no shame in wanting this to be over. I’m here for you if you need to strategize about how you can keep doing your best right now. Whatever that looks like.
Book a consultation with me today or reach out and schedule a group session where you and a cohort of like-minded folks can support each other through it all.