After 10 months of being closed off from the world due to the COVID-19 pandemic, not being able to visit family and friends, balancing home and work, it’s no surprise that many of us are discouraged, angry, and completely burned out.
We’ve had enough. Enough of working remotely (or not working). Enough of being inside. Enough of not being able to travel. Enough of worrying. Enough of being isolated. Enough of everything.
Truth is, motivation is fleeting. It comes and goes based on how we feel at the moment. If I’ve learned anything - feelings are not facts. What if we found ways to fight these feelings – build up the resistance to not only get through this time – but also thrive?
If you feel like you can’t handle what’s happening anymore and you’ve lost the will to even try, you’re not alone. You have a choice. You can give in to the pressure and give up, or you can fight for your life.
Feel It
It’s natural to feel angry about what’s happening right now. Our lives have been turned upside down. I have found that I can acknowledge and express my anger in healthy ways. If I try and act like it doesn’t exist, that’s when anxiety sets in. I’ll notice the headaches, fatigue, and skin problems. There are ways to release that anger – take a walk, exercise, or do something calming like meditation, journaling, or reading.
Question What Is Possible
Our routines were so established pre-pandemic. But now is a time to question everything. In my own life, I haven’t been able to attend church, go to the gym, or attend writing events. With the new normal, I attend church on Facebook Live, use an app to work out at home, and log in to Zoom for virtual writing sessions.
You might be able to put yourself in a situation where you find day-to-day life less stressful so you have more energy to tackle work and other important areas of your life.
Invest In Your Self-Care
Don’t forget to take care of yourself. Relying on a bunch of sugar or drinking a bottle of wine each night might feel satisfying in the moment, but the negative effects will catch up with you. Instead, try moving your body, doing a creative hobby, calling family and friends, Netflix, praying, journaling, reading, and listening to music. These simple activities not only release feel-good chemicals, but also help us to avoid the feeling of helplessness.
No matter what, don’t give up.