Dealing With Burnout From Covid

Another day, another day in the life of COVID-19. After over a year of adjusting to the new norm, you may feel burnt out, exhausted, or just plain over it. If you feel any of these, know that it is completely valid. COVID Burnout is a very real feeling of exhaustion as a result of COVID-19’s impact on our lives. From quarantining, to the loss of jobs, to social distancing, to the fear of getting sick, it’s all a lot! All of these play into dealing with burnout that many of us are feeling and how we are reacting as a result.

It may be hard to adapt and get out of the funk you are in, and that’s completely understandable! There hasn’t really been a time like this that we can relate to.

Here are some tips to help build resiliency through dealing with burnout and feel more in control of your life:

• First off, acknowledge your feelings. If you’re feeling stuck, don’t push that away. Recognize that you are feeling that way and know it is okay to feel stuck and scared. You aren’t alone in these feelings.
• Another tip is to reframe your stuck thoughts. Stuck thoughts are views that we have about the world and how it functions. The trouble is that we generalize these thoughts to all situations, when in truth, they do not hold true for all situations.

For example, you may be thinking, “Things are always going to be like this. I’m always going to have to stay home, wash my hands excessively, and socially distance.”

Try reframing it to: “I am doing my part to end the pandemic. Things are better than they were and life won’t always be this way.”

• We are only able to control what we can control. You may not have control of public health or how others are responding to the pandemic, but you have control of how you respond to COVID-19. That is way more control and power than you think!
• Talk about your mental health and prioritize your mental health. You are allowed to seek help for this. There is no shame in talking to somebody about how you are feeling. In fact, there are many people that are feeling the same way. Remember that you are not alone.
• Fight the isolation. You may have to limit the amount you see your friends and family, and what you can do, but that does not mean you must isolate yourself. We live in the golden age of technology! Set up times to talk and hang out. Also remember that if friends are hanging out in person and you don’t feel comfortable with that quite yet, that’s okay. Don’t feel the pressure to go in-person if you aren’t ready yet. Do what you feel is the best decision for you, and ask if they can video you in.
• Laugh. Yes, laugh! The pandemic is no laughing matter, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find humor in other things. Watch a funny video, movie, or TV show and laugh. Share funny stories with friends and family. Laughing releases endorphins and helps reduce stress. It’s true when they say, “Laughter is the best natural medicine.”
• Stay PLEASED. A helpful way to remember taking care of your needs is a daily routine using the acronym PLEASED:

1. 1. (be mindful of your) Physical health
   2. List your barriers and resources
   3. Eat balanced meals
   4. Avoid drugs and alcohol
   5. Stick to a sleep routine
   6. Exercise

Doing these things can lift your spirits, boost your energy levels, and help you take better care of yourself.

Lastly, don’t internalize COVID burnout as failure. That’s inaccurate and harmful. Experiencing grief, loss, uncertainty, worry, and fear that so many are feeling is completely valid. It’s more important than ever to be kind to yourself and meet yourself where you are at. You are doing better than you think at dealing with burnout!

“Ultimately, the greatest lesson that COVID-19 can teach humanity is that we are all in this together.” – Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Entrepreneur