People have been feeling excessively tired during the coronavirus outbreak. This isn’t the kind of exhaustion you can just sleep off then feel better in the morning. Many are struggling with insomnia and a general feeling of weakness, making it hard to go about their day. And it’s not hard to understand why, given that the pandemic has caused high levels of anxiety and stress.
Some blame the “lockdown fatigue” for the recent surge in COVID cases. People are tired and restless from staying indoors for a prolonged period, so they’re tempted to go out. When they become too lax with their preventive actions, the risk for virus transmission increases.
It’s important to take care of yourself during these trying times. Self-care will help you stay physically and mentally healthy, which are critical now in the middle of a public health crisis.
Here are 4 S’s to help you deal with pandemic fatigue and stay healthy while in quarantine.
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Seek medical attention
If you feel that your exhaustion and anxiety levels are more than you can handle, book an appointment with your doctor. They can recommend medications to help you relax or sleep better, or identify any habits that may be contributing to your fatigue.
Your GP will also assess your health to see if your fatigue is a symptom of a more serious condition. For example, your exhaustion and stress may be signs of chronic fatigue. In this case, your doctor will prescribe chronic fatigue syndrome treatment to alleviate your symptoms and improve your general health.
Your doctor may also recommend a mental health specialist if they feel that your exhaustion and insomnia are symptoms of a psychological condition.
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Stay active
Exercise boosts your immunity and physical health, reducing your risk of the virus. It’s also an effective way to cope with depression and anxiety symptoms, bringing long-term benefits for your mood and sleep quality.
Adults with chronic medical conditions can also maintain optimum bodily function and improve their quality of life through regular exercise.
Physical activity doesn’t have to be intense. It can be as simple as taking a 40-minute walk every day or using the jump rope for 20 minutes. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shares physical exercise recommendations for all ages. According to the guide, adults are supposed to get at least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity activity.
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Sleep is a non-negotiable
Inadequate sleep brings many health consequences, from fatigue to poor mental function. Not only do you feel tired, you’ll also find it difficult to concentrate and finish tasks. Sleep deprivation weakens your immunity as well, making you more prone to cough, common colds, and flu.
The quality of your sleep is more important than the duration. This ensures that your body gets the level of rest it needs. To get quality sleep, you need a mattress and pillows that support you while lying down. Also, avoid using gadgets and drinking caffeine at least two hours before bedtime. These boost your mental alertness, making it hard for you to fall asleep.
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Structure helps
Finally, have a daily routine. You don’t have to keep a strict schedule, but you at least need some structure to your every day. Having a routine makes sure that you don’t forget to exercise, eat meals at the right time, take regular work breaks, and get enough sleep.
You can also allot some time for social activities. These can be as simple as video calling your friends and family. These social interactions help ward off feelings of isolation and loneliness, keeping you mentally well.
These things — exercise, sleep, routine — are the fundamentals of good health. They sound easy but you need discipline and commitment to make sure you achieve all of them. Don’t be afraid to seek medical help if you feel like the stress and fatigue are more than you can handle.
