Social distancing is one of the most effective ways to slow the spread of the coronavirus. Staying apart has saved lives. But progress toward reopening can be slow and have setbacks. As a result, many of us may have bouts of quarantine fatigue. This can cause:
Increased irritability
Trouble sleeping
Eating more or less than usual
Feeling run down
Experiencing a lack of motivation
To get through it, it helps to have some coping mechanisms.
Hang in there! If you are feeling restless and weary, the American Psychological Association and our mental health experts offer these tips to cope with anxiety about the pandemic and social isolation.
Change your thinking. You have more control of the pandemic than you may think. You are helping to slow the spread of the virus by social distancing. You are making a difference. So try to focus on the good you are doing.
Take a few deep breaths. When you feel worried or upset, take a few minutes of deep breathing to relax your body and mind. You will notice an immediate difference.
Get active. Move more, both in your home or outside while social distancing. Exercise lowers stress and lifts your mood. On Lok PACE offers many online activities to help you stay fit at home.
Reach out. If you can’t be with loved ones, stay in touch with calls, video chats or social media. Staying connected (even virtually) is even more important right now. Your On Lok PACE social worker and care team are always available to help!
Keep a gratitude journal. Each day, write down a few words about what went well today and the things that bring you pleasure. When you examine your journal, it may help you find hope and positivity.
Limit the news. It is important to stay informed. But constant COVID-19 news can fuel your fears and feelings of hopelessness. You can turn to your On Lok PACE care team and public health agencies like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at cdc.gov for reliable updates. We will get through this!
Enjoy a moment of play. Although your hopscotch days are probably far behind you, channeling your inner child can be not only fun, but actually good for you. Play fetch with your dog or a string-and-toy game with your cat. Beat boredom with an online game or a puzzle. If you live with a partner or family, play an old-fashioned board game after dinner. Or do something you enjoyed as a kid: build a model car or explore the arts and crafts in the activities kit provided by your On Lok PACE Activities team.
If your stress becomes overwhelming, call us. It is also important to check with your care team if you find yourself using alcohol or drugs to cope. Let us know how you are doing. We are your partners in wellness and good health.
And remember, we are all in this together!
