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It has been over a year since the world started to practice physical distancing, wearing protective gear, and using quarantine as a preventive measure regarding the spread of the coronavirus. Since these protocols are proving to be effective, some areas in the world are now easing up and certain industries are reopening to bounce back from the slump of the economy. However, many people remain uncertain for how to go back to normal, despite the availability of vaccines.
There are people who remained in quarantine for an extended time, and are now experiencing quarantine fatigue. The coronavirus pandemic changed everything about our lives, and we are striving to get back to normal. To do this, people need to regain their strength from the exhausting quarantine we have been in. Here are some ways to overcome this fatigue:
Practice Mindfulness
Practicing mindfulness may not be comfortable to some, but it is a proven and effective way of managing stress. You can use it to improve your focus and give yourself the feeling of being safe. Here are four mini relaxation exercises that you would want to try.
- Count backward from 10 – Count one number for each breath very slowly. Pause every time you feel lightheaded, and when you reach “zero”, notice if you are feeling better. You may repeat if you want to.
- Inhale, count to four; exhale, count back to one – You may do this several times to relax your mind. Count slowly to four when you inhale, then count backwards to one as you exhale.
- Inhale, count to three; exhale count to three – Slowly inhale and hold your breath and count to three, then exhale and pause while counting from one to three again.
- Inhale “I am;” exhale “at peace” – As you complete the phase with this breathing exercise, you will feel calm and at peace.
Recharge Your Body
Being in a quarantine limited us from doing all the activities that we used to do. We walked less and ate more while staying at home. To get back in shape, our bodies need the proper nutrition and do some exercise routines for at least 30 minutes every day. You may check Steel’s article on this here for some suggestions with workout programs. We must also get enough sleep, which improves our mood and mental health. With a strong immune system, our concentration and memory improves.
Interact With Other People
We all need one another to bounce back from this quarantine fatigue. Though we still have to practice social distancing, there are ways on how we can connect with our families and friends. It is important that we keep ourselves updated with others to know every one’s well-being. There are many platforms on the Internet where you can connect with your friends and relatives and even hold events through online live streaming.
Since some areas are easing up with health protocols, there are some commercial establishments, restaurants, and public places that allow people to go but with certain guidelines to follow. You may want to utilize this opportunity and meet up with your friends and relatives.
Know the Signs
It is also important that we know if a person is having a quarantine fatigue or not. It may look different when you see them in person, but they may be having an exhaustion already from the long quarantine period. Here are some signs of exhaustion so we can act appropriately to help the person.
- Their eating and sleeping habits change
- They feel irritable, anxious, or tense
- Racing thoughts
- Less productivity, reduced motivation
- Conflict with themselves
- They are distant from almost everybody
Remember that we are all in this together and must help each other at all times. It is a slow progress, but we can overcome this fatigue with patience and faith.