As we near the six-month mark of living with COVID-19, you may have stayed healthy along with your loved ones. Yet the constant barrage of news, statistics, press conferences, and measures has likely taken a toll—on your body and mind alike.
Overwhelmed by data and determined to protect yourself and others from this novel virus, it's no wonder you're feeling exhausted. This fatigue is entirely normal.
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You might have noticed heightened emotions lately—tears coming easier, stress feeling more intense, a shorter temper, or overwhelming tiredness. Stress expert Carolien Hamming explains these reactions stem from unconsciously heightened alertness triggered by COVID-19 news. Worries about family and friends keep your mind—and body—in overdrive, which is understandable but draining.
Stress isn't inherently bad; it sharpens focus and boosts energy for action—like processing pandemic updates and adhering to guidelines. But prolonged stress, as we've endured for months, leads to burnout. While our minds may be adapting, our bodies still need time to reset. Recovery involves both mental unwind and physiological restoration to baseline levels.
Without adequate recovery, Hamming notes, your body adapts to a hyperactive state: elevated heart rate, tense muscles, shallow breathing. This cycle intensifies fatigue and can culminate in burnout-like symptoms.
Hamming's top recommendation? Prioritize sleep: head to bed early, skip the alarm when possible, and avoid screens. Incorporate moderate movement, like daily walks. Skip intense workouts—even with gyms reopening—as they demand extra recovery you're not ready for. "If you're already in recovery deficit, it's counterproductive," she advises.
