Pandemic Fatigue occurs when people get tired of the pandemic measures and become less likely to follow public health practices or simply begin to drown out those messages.
Nope, I am not talking about that type of fatigue. I am way past that!
I’m talking about overwhelming feelings of exhaustion, deep sadness, anxiety, and a lack of motivation caused by the pandemic and exaggerated by the holiday season. Perhaps your kiddos, like you, feel these emotions too.
That type of exhaustion can come from a place of uncertainty, lack of control, and fear. Behaviors like: irritability, indecisiveness, withdrawing, exploding, hoarding, and complaining may be fear based.
If you are sick and tired of being sick and tired, take these 4 steps to combat Pandemic Fatigue.
- Accept these feelings are human, normal.
- Acknowledge these feelings: I feel ________________________.
- Ask yourself: I wonder what is causing this feeling?
- Anticipate the results of positive feelings, “I feel great when I __________________.”
Do I feel frustrated? Why? Is it because you are not in control? “I feel great when I engage in situations where I have some say in the outcome.” For your children who feel frustrated allow them more say in plans and outcome. Provide more choices and break tasks down into more manageable pieces.
Do I feel overwhelmed? Why? Explore the thing causing the overwhelmed feeling and ask, “Is it important? Is it necessary? Does it fit into my value system or priorities?” If not, discard it or decide, “Good enough is good enough.” ” I feel great when I let go of things that are not important to me, my family, or my faith.”
Do I feel stuck, lack motivation? Get active. Take a walk. Take a break. Make a decision. “I feel great when I create a list, work the list, and check off the things I have completed.”
Do I feel sad? Why? Pursue things that make you happy. “I feel great when I dance to praise music or create something.”
Change what can be changed. Shift priorities that need adjustment. Ask for help where needed. Find a mentor, someone who is a little further down the path. Create a group of peers to encourage one another and to share ideas and techniques.
My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word.
Proverbs 119:28
© LoriWildenberg. All rights reserved.
About the Author
Lori Wildenberg is a licensed parent and family educator, parent coach, and co-founder of 1Corinthians13 Parenting.com. She has written 6 books including Messy Journey: How Grace and Truth Offer the Prodigal a Way Home; The Messy Life of Parenting: Powerful and Practical Ways to Strengthen Family Connections; and her most recent book, Messy Hope: Help Your Child Overcome Anxiety, Depression, or Suicidal Ideation. Contact Lori for your next event or for parent consulting or parent training courses. Lori can also be found mentoring over at the MOMS Together Group on Facebook.
