2020 has been a year with the COVID-19 pandemic. It sucks and we're all tired of wearing masks, not having jobs, feeling anxious about getting the virus, and so on. No one expected it to last this long and into 2021. Individuals don't follow protocols to prevent the spread, people are getting sicker from COVID, following the protocols are stressful as well; it all causes us fatigue. Here are 10 tips on helping you cope with COVID fatigue and keeping fighting the pandemic until things get better; also attached is a website with more tips on how to cope with the pandemic.
1. Self-Care
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This is a time to be so crucial about taking care of yourself, whether that is not working overtime, getting in an extra nap, seeking therapy, performing hobbies; you need to take care of yourself.
2. Sleep
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Don't sleep through all hours of the day, but sleep helps you feel good and you can be more aware and accepting of what is going on in the world. If you don't get enough sleep, this already sets you up to be tired and mad at the world.
3. Hope
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Hope is knowing that this won't last forever. Hope helps you see a brighter future.
4. Have Fun Safely
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You can still have fun. Meet a few friends outside in the park when it's not too cold and social distance. You can join in a virtual dance class. You can do a crafts project. Just because things are different this year does not mean you can't have fun.
5. Keep In Touch With Others Virtually
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Don't forget the beautiful thing about a phone that helps you call and video chat with others. You can text as well, use ZOOM, and chat boxes on Facebook to keep in touch with others.
6. Remember That This Won't Last Forever
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This won't last forever - it may feel like it, but it wont.
7. Look At Things To Be Grateful For
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Be grateful that you still have a job, that you are healthy, that you recovered from COVID, that you are not alone, there are so many things to try and be grateful for during this tough time.
8. Keep Following Protocols, Knowing That This Will Help Decrease The Virus
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The protocols are annoying but know that when you follow them you are helping to slow the spread and end the pandemic sooner.
9. Seek Therapy
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Therapy is online now - which is awesome because this helps decrease your anxiety and it is easy access to see someone.
10. Try Finding The Good
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There is still good in the world, you just got to find it. There is good stuff out there - like your mom being a phone call away, that you can get unemployment, that you can have fun doing small hobbies; find the good.
Be safe and stay sane; we will get through this!