Covid Fatigue

It has been over a year of this global pandemic and adjusting to the new normal has been tough to say the least. When everything first started back in March of 2020, I had just moved into a new home in which I had a complete kitchen renovation going on at the time, and had no running water or counter tops. Then I was expected to a be full time teacher on top of my full time job, and keep up with the house tasks. First let me just say to all the teachers out there, I see you and I appreciate you. Thank you for all you do to educate our kids.

For me, as time continued into the spring and summer, it was draining but the family time was so rewarding and refreshing. The “break” from the hustle and bustle of the everyday and commitments were a welcome surprise. We spent so much time outside riding our bikes, throwing the football. We spent less time behind screens and on our phones. We started to choose to “live” again. Be present in the moment and enjoy the day to day. Warm weather turned to cold weather here in Michigan. Slowly our outside activities turned back into inside activities and screen time. Being confined during the winter is hard. We couldn’t go to restaurants, movie theaters or anything really. The fatigue really started to get to me.

The pressure of being home constantly, working and living in the same space began to overwhelm me. There was no place that felt like my sacred space anymore. Home used to be a refuge from the craziness of the world. The craziness started to transition to the home, and there was no escape from it. Work became overwhelming, family became overwhelming and there became no safe place. Exhaustion, fatigue, lack of patience, and so many more things became the focal point in my life. It was hard to find the positives, hard to enjoy the little things. Everything felt so overwhelming. I know I wasn’t the only one. I had lots of people in my life who had similar thoughts, and honestly still do. This has been such a hard time for so many people. I personally did not lose anyone during this time, but I know many who did. I am so sorry if you were someone who did lose someone due to covid. I can only imagine the pain, grief and anger that may have caused you on top of the fatigue already there.

Please know that you are not alone. We have all experienced this situation differently, but I know it has been hard for each person in your own way. I encourage you to be vulnerable and open up to someone about how you are feeling. You do not need to do this alone. Whether it is a therapist, a friend, a relative, just know it is ok to ask for help. You do not need to be alone in this.

Covid fatigue is real. Take care of your mental health. Choose to put yourself first and find your happiness again. I know I am choosing this now, and you can too. Just remember, we are all experiencing this together.

You are strong.

You can get through this.

Believe in yourself.

Love to all!

Melissa M

happinessexpected@gmail.com