None of us thought that 2020 would turn out to be a year of lockdowns, quarantine, and stay-at-home orders. COVID-19 made its presence felt in China back in 2019, and by 2020 it became a global pandemic. The immediate rules to stay safe include staying at home, maintaining social distancing, wearing a mask, gloves when out in public, and sanitizing. By now, it has affected the globe ruthlessly, causing deaths and ample infections. While the medical fraternity is researching on a medicine and vaccine, others are asked to stay at home and maintain social distancing as much possible. And this has resulted in mental fatigue and a sense of feeling demotivated.
Ram Duriseti suggests ways to combat mental fatigue during the pandemic
Humans are social beings. Our daily way of life involved going to the office and socializing. The pandemic has made most people stay at home so that the COVID-19 infection curve flattens down. Initially, it seemed to be a struggle for many. Gradually, people got used to the new normal rule of staying at home. However, recently there have been cases about mental fatigue, depression, a feeling of sadness, and other mental instabilities. The prolonged uncertainty is making people lose their calm and their innate sense of well-being. In extreme cases, there are panic attacks and attempts at suicide. Is there a way out? Ram Duriseti, a clinical expert who takes a keen interest in topics related to mental health, suggests the following tips.
- Avoid getting obsessed with the news
It’s good to stay updated about the news stories concerning the pandemic spread, the clinical trial successes and the possible cure. But since most of us are at home, we tend to get obsessed with the news updated. In search for certainty and a positive news update, people keep on swapping channels, to hear about the same fatalities caused by COVID-19. And this triggers our anxiety and results in mental imbalance and fatigue. It’s an intelligent decision at this time to avoid news altogether. You can check the online news updates once or twice a week and keep following the safety protocols.
- Get engaged in an activity that releases your stress
Does cooking interest you? Or you love clicking pictures of inanimate objects? Do you like to study ancient scriptures? You could have an affinity for all these three activities and more. It’s the time to tune into your interest areas and get engrossed in it. That way, you can shift your attention from fear and uncertainty and shift it towards hope and creativity.
- Don’t forget your basic immunity do’s
In an attempt to get engrossed in creative activities, make sure that you count on your basic immunity boosters. For instance, have ample water, consume nutrient-rich food, exercise for 30 minutes, or take a brisk walk near your house and mediate to erase your stress. Listen to music when you feel scared as that helps to shift the energy and help you feel more grounded.
Stay calm and centered in testing times, as it’s essential for your mental health. Mental fatigue is common for everyone now. The degrees might vary. The tips mentioned above can help you to maintain mental well-being during COVID-19.