As somebody joked: we’re on level 5 of the 2020 lockdown game. The year has been a completely different reality as we imagined it. The initial excitement of staying at home, getting a break, a ‘change’ has undergone a unique emotional journey. Excitement changed to boredom, the seemingly novel way of living is now overwhelming, and despite a sense of optimism, one cannot but help feel a palpable sense of anxiety. It’s almost like being out at sea amidst a storm… the shoreline is not visible, and with that, hope too, seems distant.
Quarantine fatigue has officially set in on everyone. Here’s what we can do to remain buoyant.
1. Recognize the signs: Quarantine fatigue could express itself differently for each individual. This emotion could hit you more physically than mentally. Perhaps, your best friend is experiencing a different range of emotions - yet the signs are everywhere. For instance,
- Irritation
- Frustration
- Lack of sleep
- Increased/decreased appetite
- Apathy/lack of enthusiasm
- Restlessness
- Forgetting things
- Decreased productivity
You could be going through all this and more. It’s alright. The important thing to do is to recognize that it’s not you. You’ve coped well so far and will continue in the future. You’re bigger than the situation. So give yourself some slack, how about a pat on your back?
2. Go easy on yourself: Structure your time with compassion, efficiency, and flexibility.
- Design a routine that is manageable and incorporates your day’s requirements. For instance, your child might have an online class and needs you around. Your work has an important deadline, how about cooking a simple meal today and saving on time?
- Dedicatelittle pockets of time (and much more if you can!) to things that energize you. Listening to music, a podcast, reading a few pages, calling a friend. Whatever makes you feel good. Factoring in some relaxation time is a wise thing to do. Don’t let anybody guilt trip you through it.
- Create little goals once in a few days that give you a sense of accomplishment. Trying out a new recipe, finishing a book, tidying up something you don’t do regularly: something that is not exhaustive and not too hard.
- A kind note to self: This is not a competition to prove how efficient, energetic, and multi-talented we are. Social media feeds are resplendent with everyone’s locked down achievements. Be happy for them, comment if you will. Compare yourself? Absolutely not. This is everyone’s unique journey.
- Your week will not look the same. There will be some unexpected situations, or things might not go according to plan. Simply buckle up, breathe deeply, and begin again.
- Be clear with what you would like your day to achieve, and shoot for that. Anything else that gets done gives you bonus points on your personal scorecard - go ahead, and treat yourself.
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3. Go easy on everyone else too: A lot of people are staying with family, loved ones after a long time. The fun and games is a great joy, yet there could be behaviors, patterns of thinking, habits that could irk you or even cause some strains in the relationship.
- Avoid arguing. Put across your point, and let it go. If a middle ground can be found, then it’s wonderful.
- If someone insists on watching the Covid-19 news repeatedly, try picking up something else to do without leaving the room. Perhaps your favorite coloring book?
- Practice patience: You might want to leave your dishes in a certain way. Sometimes small differences assume greater importance than required. It might not be worth it.
- Call someone out if you have to, but with compassion and gentleness. Everybody is fighting their own battles right now.
- Despite your best effort if someone does not feel happy or satisfied, then rest on the principle from The Bhagavad Gita: You’re not responsible for anyone’s happiness and state of mind.
- Allow everybody their space. And give yourself permission to do the same. Space does not necessarily imply a separate room or physical space (although if you’re fortunate with the situation, then by all means). Space also refers to space in thinking, in diverse opinions, tastes of food, freedom to choose what they feel like in their spare time - Netflix/cooking/reading.
- Don’t bring up the past and avoid generalizing. In a fit of frustration, it’s easy to give vent to a past episode which might not be connected to the present situation. Leave be.
- Keep yourself happy. You feel like wearing a formal dress for a change, do it. Everybody does not have to follow suit. And that’s fine too.
- Give yourself some time should an occasional spat occur. Everybody is human (you too!).
4. You are your best bet: A stronger you is ready to be more resilient. And that’s the name of this COVID game. Fear and anxiety are an inevitable part of this journey, yet let them visit occasionally instead of becoming permanent members of your ecosystem.
- Inculcate daily practices to increase coping mechanisms. Pranayamas (breathwork) is a great idea. Keep aside a few minutes in the day, preferably in the morning.
- Keep at building that immunity through exercise, yoga, enough sleep, sensible food choices. Factor in that occasional indulgence, and rest - yet let it be the exception and not the rule.
5. Decide your limits on information consumption: Overstimulation is also hazardous as is under-stimulation. You will know when you’re feeling overwhelmed or fatigued with information. Just do yourself a favor and switch off. It’s easy to continue consuming content as a way to compensate for what you’re going through or just looking for something interesting.
In case you’re unable to decide your limit,
- Try and cap social media to 30 minutes a day.
- Time your apps to shut down for certain periods.
- Examine your on-screen time, it just might give you a reality check.
- Switch off your laptop after you finish your work for the day, and resist the urge to log in for just one more email. You know it’s never one.
- Try and find pockets of device-free time, and find activities to do with your hands. Crafts, kneading dough, writing a journal - even if it’s just for five minutes.
- Practice some form of eye relaxation exercises. You might want to try some of these out.
- Reach out to others. Helping someone in any way - a phone call, sending a meal across, a little handmade card, a donation will be uplifting to you as well.
You’re a part of an unprecedented period in the global history of time which has come with no guidelines. So create what you will. If it works for you, it’s perfect.
You can learn some useful techniques which will help you grow with peace, inner strength and resilience. Sign up for The Art of Living Meditation and Breath Workshop and discover your true potential.
