View Full Version : Managing Covid fatigue
Covid fatigue struck me last night triggering a 'self-pity' party of one. It lasted about an hour and then my usual reaction kicked in - what can I do for someone else? Different ideas came to mind that I will implement this week.
So, one idea was to post this question to encourage support for each other and sharing solutions to coping with Covid fatigue. How are you coping with Covid fatigue?
happystuff
8-12-20, 8:42am
Covid fatigue struck me last night triggering a 'self-pity' party of one. It lasted about an hour and then my usual reaction kicked in - what can I do for someone else? Different ideas came to mind that I will implement this week.
So, one idea was to post this question to encourage support for each other and sharing solutions to coping with Covid fatigue. How are you coping with Covid fatigue?
Can I ask what you mean by "covid fatigue"? The physical fatigue from the illness itself or just being tired of covid being around?
The meaning I got from razz was just fatigue from everything covid-related. Not being able to see family and friends or having to social distance, no hugs. Having to wear a mask. Having to REMEMBER to take a mask when you go out. Social distancing for everything. All sorts of events being cancelled, from sports to concerts to big weddings and family reunions. You could add your own things.
One thing I am doing is exploring more of my local area, and doing road trips of an hour or two around home. I tend to forget the stuff in my local area in lieu of further away somehow being more interesting and more of a "getaway". I am also packing up some meals in bento boxes and eating them as a picnic besides local watering holes. Eating outside is always more festive for me, rather than within the same 4 walls.
But yes I am tired of it all, and I often have my own pity parties. The things I miss the most are the free local concerts many of our towns have, and being able to actually see the produce at farmers markets (my town has the vendors behind a barrier and I don't think food is allowed to be displayed, you have to ask for what you want) and of course regional festivals (garlic festival, Scottish festival, barbeque festival). Being able to small talk with others at breweries and wineries without having to worry you might catch something. Exploring new to me shops and restaurants- yes I could do the last one, but its not the same these days.
The meaning I got from razz was just fatigue from everything covid-related. Not being able to see family and friends or having to social distance, no hugs. Having to wear a mask. Having to REMEMBER to take a mask when you go out. Social distancing for everything. All sorts of events being cancelled, from sports to concerts to big weddings and family reunions. You could add your own things.
Exactly! I am very grateful to be fully active and healthy walking the dog 4 km every day, visiting with other walkers along the route, calling friends, enjoying my garden and ample supply of essentials. There is so much stuff online to enjoy as well. Right now I miss a hug more than anything.
happystuff
8-12-20, 10:57am
The meaning I got from razz was just fatigue from everything covid-related. Not being able to see family and friends or having to social distance, no hugs. Having to wear a mask. Having to REMEMBER to take a mask when you go out. Social distancing for everything. All sorts of events being cancelled, from sports to concerts to big weddings and family reunions. You could add your own things.
Gotcha! Except for face-to-face family and friend visits, and being unemployed, I'm pretty much doing the same stuff I always did. Walking, grocery shopping, cooking, online classes (that were online to begin with). I've started including more gardening (things are actually growing and edible!!! LOL), doing minor around the house stuff (we are not handy and money is being closely monitored), decluttering and trying to sell stuff on FB, etc. And reading and watching tv more. LOL. I'm filling my time and I'm happy with how I'm filling it, but still miss family.
Oh, in another thread I mentioned ordering a Kalimba (thumb piano) back in May. Never got it. (Got refunded). So may look into another little, quiet instrument. lol.
catherine
8-12-20, 10:57am
I'm fatigued from those "oh, wait!" moments.. like, maybe I'll go to NY and see a show! (Oh, wait! Broadway is closed.) Or, maybe I'll take my daughter to our favorite restaurant! (Oh, wait! They are doing curbside take-out only.). Or, maybe I'll give that person a big smile! (Oh, wait! I have this mask on and my eyes are going to have to do the heavy lifting)
But my business-as-usual doesn't typically mean I get a lot of these thoughts these days. I'm working from home, and only traveling off the island rarely to pick up extra stuff I can't get here. But I sometimes get wistful about the good old days of last January when we were naive to bugs that could level us. Similar to the feelings of loss I had after 9/11 when I realized travel would never, ever be the same again, or I could never, ever hear about a plane crash again and assume it was an accident.
Such is life. But my way of getting over it is to believe that maybe next year masks will be voluntary--maybe some of us will change our behavior for good--like the Asians. Maybe next year we'll be able to step into crowded restaurants--maybe our favorites will still be in business. Maybe next year I'll be able to fulfill my dream of taking my grandson to The Lion King for his 7th birthday.
Maybe...
happystuff
8-12-20, 10:58am
Right now I miss a hug more than anything.
I am definitely a "hugger" and I miss it, too!
Simplemind
8-12-20, 12:37pm
I acknowledge that Covid as well as current events is a type of trauma, a mass trauma that I am navigating along with everybody else. That involves grief for the loss of the little things (going to the gym, eating out, being with friends) as well as the big things such as the loss of my coworker, my friends wife, another friends dad and this last week, my cousin to Covid. Much is being asked of us and it is exhausting to be on alert all the time. So I acknowledge that self care is essential and sometimes I just need to put the burden down. It might be taking a long nap. It might be taking a long walk. It might be painting a card for a friend and writing a note of gratitude for their friendship on it along with a future plan of something fun when we can get back together. It might be going camping with a stack of books and doing nothing but reading without feeling guilty that I'm not doing chores. I give myself a break from media and spend time in our yard and gardens where there is no feeling that the world is on fire. We just started having happy hours with a drinky poo, snacks, music and board games to keep our brains from turning into cheese.........
After missing my 11 yr old grandson for way too long, I had him most of the day last Friday.
That was my most important issue, seeing him.
I also miss eating out, movies and church.
School is supposed to be starting back here in early Sept.
Work is very busy which helps...………...
+1 on the hugs, especially when someone does something kind for you, like the woman who brings me fresh flowers to my office from her garden every week. 3379
We've had a number of events cancelled we were really looking forward to, but it makes me feel really badly for those whose livelihoods are affected by the cancellations, not just ours. We planned to go to Indian Wells for the tennis tournament, a 2-wk event overall, cancelled. Think of the vendors, tournament personnel, hoteliers and their employees, restaurateurs, local shopkeepers. DH was entered in a golf tournament, cancelled, same thing. I was registered for two needleworkers seminars and a retreat--cancelled. All those hotel and retreat center workers out of work. Then also, no gym or pool. All those folks on unemployment as well as us not being able to go see our buddies in the pool.
It's a bummer, but I have said all along, I'm glad this started when the weather was mostly good; we could at least get outdoors, garden, go fishing, take walk. It will be a challenge if it continues into the darkness of winter. I'm really starting to think about that. But, I'm an introvert; it will probably be easier for me than it will be for a true extrovert.
iris lilies
8-12-20, 1:18pm
I am definitely a "hugger" and I miss it, too!
Jane and I have agreed that Covid19 will change that hugging ritual forever and we are on board for that!
I’m a hugger, as well, with close friends. Or I should say, WAS.
happystuff
8-12-20, 1:41pm
Jane and I have agreed that Covid19 will change that hugging ritual forever and we are on board for that!
While it is not a ritual that I am currently practicing, I'm not on board with totally giving it up yet, or at least the thought of giving it up - lol. I'm hopeful that a proven vaccine will eventually be developed that will allow the full, functional return of "the hug" once again. :)
happystuff
8-12-20, 1:43pm
Very pretty, KayLR! What a wonderful way to brighten things up!
I am definitely experiencing some covid-induced anhedonia. When the weather is nice I go outside rather than watching the news.
As mentioned, having spring and summer has been a help. I have put in lots of stone paths, perennial plants and now watching tomatoes ripen. Also having a beautiful park down the street to walk around when I need to escape the house. Staring at the beautiful mountains and skies every time I go outside. Watching the geese fly over in formation every day at 7am and 4pm. I remind myself that although this has been a horribly upsetting event, historically it will be a blip in time. It will pass and other good and bad things will happen in the future. I neglected all rules when I visited DD and my grand-twins a month ago. I hugged them all tightly when we said goodby not knowing when we might meet again. Yesterday, I finally met with my book club friends outside and that was a happy event. Oh and since I don't go to thrift stores anymore, I order some brand new bright colored T-shirts. Little things we took for granted once...that is how I live my days now until this passes.
I have put in lots of stone paths,
Did you do that yourself? Maybe this is a hijack, but I am really interested in how you did it.
frugal-one
8-12-20, 2:29pm
Managing fatigue.... interestingly, I have been sleeping more. Could be we got rid of some lights in the bedroom but does not account for the nap in the afternoon (sometimes) and then being able to sleep all night too?? Have been trying to walk as much as usual and have started doing more "internet exercises". I miss the gym too. I looked to see what different book clubs are around and put my name on the list. Think this will be beneficial when winter strikes to be able to zoom and see and communicate with others. Now, we can at least talk with neighbors and friends outdoors. Have been making mostly healthy meals and today frequented the farmers market. There were few people and was nice to be in the sunshine. Not feeling as bereft as I did a few months ago. Maybe becoming more of an introvert????? I am trying to find things to be thankful for each day. I think it is helping.
Yes, I have always liked "playing" with rocks. I procured large pieces of flagstone from an estate sale. I laid out the paths, dug out some soil, set the stones the way I wanted and then leveled and filled in with crushed granite ordered in bulk from a rock yard. They have held up well through snow and ice and I can just sweep the stones occasionally.
As mentioned, having spring and summer has been a help. I have put in lots of stone paths, perennial plants and now watching tomatoes ripen. Also having a beautiful park down the street to walk around when I need to escape the house. Staring at the beautiful mountains and skies every time I go outside. Watching the geese fly over in formation every day at 7am and 4pm. I remind myself that although this has been a horribly upsetting event, historically it will be a blip in time. It will pass and other good and bad things will happen in the future. I neglected all rules when I visited DD and my grand-twins a month ago. I hugged them all tightly when we said goodby not knowing when we might meet again. Yesterday, I finally met with my book club friends outside and that was a happy event. Oh and since I don't go to thrift stores anymore, I order some brand new bright colored T-shirts. Little things we took for granted once...that is how I live my days now until this passes.
Nice post, PT
Teacher Terry
8-13-20, 12:02am
Vacations are really missed. Especially our Europe trip this summer that didn’t happen. We love some groups we belong to, having parties, festivals, etc. We have resumed seeing some of our friends but not in groups.
iris lilies
8-13-20, 1:08am
I don’t mind Covert lockdown, really when it comes right down to it. But I’m getting to be incredibly lazy. I’ve had two or three major projects I could’ve done in the past six months I have not done them.
i’m not meeting deadlines for stuff. This morning I missed a Zoom meeting about a garden club event. I was half hour late because I forgot about it. What was worse is — I don’t even care.
Many months ago I had volunteered to be the registrar for a major conference coming to our area next year. I didn’t follow up with anyone in recent weeks because I don’t really care what’s going on with conference planning, and not surprisingly, the organizers forgot that I volunteered to do this job. So I think they found somebody else. And it’s OK, I don’t care.
Someone at National Garden Club is leaving me out of key communications about a job I’m supposed to be doing. Normally that would irritate me, I would let them know I need to be informed with these emails, and I would make sure that I am in the chain of communication. But now I don’t care, it’s not important to me.
I’m becoming such a slug! I don’t know if I can ever go back to the busyness of previous time.
flowerseverywhere
8-13-20, 5:21am
I avoid the news, just checking in once a day to read headlines. I was getting so upset and worn out about negativity and meanness.
Priorities are changing and when this is all over certain things will seem insignificant. Others will be more important. After the first few months I started really exercising more than I ever have. I walk early as the sun is rising and ride my bike a lot. I do videos of aerobics and line dancing and am happy as a clam. Reading and sewing a lot. DH loves to play games and do puzzles so we do that together. Obligations have gradually drifted away. I do take special care to keep in close contact with friends. We do a Zoom book club and almost everyone participates. We are old friends and we talk for two hours. My siblings keep in close contact. We cook nice meals and eat leisurely. So many people are struggling I look around and realize we are so lucky. My heart breaks for people who have experienced sickness and loss of loved ones. For those that lost their jobs. It is so horrible for so many good People who only want to work and support their families. Their financial setbacks will be felt for many years to come.
All in all we have faired well. But DH and I agreed we should add a year for every month we’ve been in shutdown together to our anniversary next week. Actually we were kidding. We’ve done pretty good trying not to annoy each other during the ups and downs.
IL I too feel lazy, and hope I can get back to my normal pace at home and work later. In my case the high heat and humidity as well as covid are factors.
happystuff
8-13-20, 7:31am
I avoid the news, just checking in once a day to read headlines. I was getting so upset and worn out about negativity and meanness.
Priorities are changing and when this is all over certain things will seem insignificant. Others will be more important. After the first few months I started really exercising more than I ever have. I walk early as the sun is rising and ride my bike a lot. I do videos of aerobics and line dancing and am happy as a clam. Reading and sewing a lot. DH loves to play games and do puzzles so we do that together. Obligations have gradually drifted away. I do take special care to keep in close contact with friends. We do a Zoom book club and almost everyone participates. We are old friends and we talk for two hours. My siblings keep in close contact. We cook nice meals and eat leisurely. So many people are struggling I look around and realize we are so lucky. My heart breaks for people who have experienced sickness and loss of loved ones. For those that lost their jobs. It is so horrible for so many good People who only want to work and support their families. Their financial setbacks will be felt for many years to come.
All in all we have faired well. But DH and I agreed we should add a year for every month we’ve been in shutdown together to our anniversary next week. Actually we were kidding. We’ve done pretty good trying not to annoy each other during the ups and downs.
Very refreshing to read - congrats to you both! I am the same with the news... keep it limited. But then, I have a dh who follows every details and often i insists on sharing. lol.
Iris Lilies, I think much the same way you do. All the busy-ness just doesn't matter. I know you are working on the Herman house and gardens, so you aren't a slug, just doing ONLY what you want to do! That's where I am now. And I remember you were taking very good care of your teeth...me too.
SteveinMN
8-13-20, 10:23am
I don’t mind Covert lockdown, really when it comes right down to it. But I’m getting to be incredibly lazy. I’ve had two or three major projects I could’ve done in the past six months I have not done them. That's me. In my defense, I've had a couple of burning fires I needed to attend to, so I haven't spent all my time playing computer games (tempting as that is some days). But I know I could have taken on some longstanding projects and I just ... haven't. I'm largely OK with it. I suspect there will be a fair amount of time this winter to take them on.
I find the most tiring thing about present conditions is the feeling of stuck-ness. I am not wired to be lazy . DH has become an internet junkie and that bothers me. So many things I/we had planned feel like they are in terminal stasis - selling a house, relocating, trips, projects etc. We who have adequate funds and a roof over our head have no reason to complain though when so many are suffering. Interestingly, the other day our one and only clock just randomly fell off the wall and broke. Wonder what that means??
iris lilies
8-13-20, 2:17pm
Here is what really worries me about busyness that will kick in after this lockdown is over: there’s so many demands for the year 2020 events that were canceled. What I am seeing is all my groups are planning the same national conferences for 2021 plus there were already two big events on the calendar for 2021. How the hell am I supposed to do two years worth of stuff in one year? Ugh. Plus if things go as I want to go that would be a time that we are moving to Hermann. However – that whole move thing can be easily done on my own schedule.
rosarugosa
8-13-20, 3:15pm
I really got a lot of value from "The Science of Well-Being" course I took from Coursera, and I continue to meditate daily (96 consecutive days as of today). Now I'm doing a Coursera course on mindfulness, which seems to complement the previous course rather nicely. So I'm not being lazy; I am meditating. ;)
DH & I have been making progress on some of our home projects. If we are spending more time at home, we want to make home as nice as possible.
The Coursera is amazing. I am studying "what is contemporary art?". I am being totallly surprised which is kind of nice for a 'positive' surprise. I will look into the 'Wellbeing" course.
rosarugosa
8-13-20, 7:12pm
The art course sounds interesting, Razz. I'm a big fan of MA Museum of Contemporary Art. Even if I don't always "get it," I still manage to enjoy it.
My Covid fatigue mostly revolves around church. I've gone a couple of times, but it's just not the same. Can't sing as only two choir members are allowed to sing and I don't have a strong enough voice to do it with only one other person.
Things are much better since I've gotten the new job. I have something to do! I was out of work for a little more than four months. I was bored out of my mind after a couple of weeks.
My diving is still happening, although things did get started two months later than usual at the local quarry.
Covid fatigue has been hitting me this week; I think it is really due to the dog days of summer. It's too hot to do any real landscaping work, and I don't need to be making a ton of jewelry (I just lost another gallery - I'm down to two galleries carrying my work from a high of six at one point). So what it means is that I have quite a bit of inventory already made. I'd like to add one moire gallery because I think three will be the optimum for me.
I have been playing my electric guitar more; during weekdays when the gallery is super slow is a great time to noodle around with it. I've also been "shopping in my closet" more because I am sick of wearing the same damn stuff all the time. I've been making a point of wearing different jewelry each day I work, and put a little more make-up on because I've been feeling kind of blah. Tomorrow I am going to get some of my dreads cut off because I realize I am pretty sick of having the same hair-do for the last six years. I don't want to go short, so I am getting what is called an "undercut", which basically means I am getting the sides and nape shaved.
Anyway, I am trying to do things to make it feel like something is happening. The monotony of daily life is getting to me. At least we are going up to Pagosa Springs in a few weeks for a little vacation; we rented an AirBnb house so we'll be able to keep totally to ourselves, do our own cooking but go see the sights and go on walks and hikes.
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