By now, we are deep into countrywide lockdown and a new way of life exists. Have you noticed that you’re tired ALL THE TIME? Well you’re not alone. There are so many reasons for this. Let’s talk about why you feel so tired and have such little motivation to do anything.

First of all, the uncertain future puts a grand piano’s worth of weight on our shoulders. Those who are without a job or their business may or may not survive the lockdown, have financial uncertainty. People who are at high risk of COVID-19 complications are panicked about contracting the virus and its impact on their health. For those on the front lines, they fear becoming infected due to inadequate PPE or face death more frequently than they are used to in the hospital. These are all tangible, petrifying thoughts which are realistic stressors compounded by one another. Every day, people fear this disease and its acute, direct effects on their individual lives. That stress alone is enough to suck your energy dry.

Now add on the stress of having to work from home and adapt to a new routine. Add in childcare for those with kids while working from home. Those with ill family or friends. Battling the public for groceries while avoiding infection. Consider the lack of exercise and poor dietary changes, and BAM, you have a recipe for anxiety. Like your favorite infomercial…BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE! Have you been browsing social media lately? Reading comments on news articles? Watching government press briefings? We are being assaulted by conflicting information, bitter internet trolls, protesters, and just overall negative energy from every angle. This takes a subconscious, emotional toll on our psyche.

As you can see, our brains are over-stimulated but also under-stimulated simultaneously. We are over-stimulated with stressful stimuli of the world events occurring around us, being flooded with negative information from social media, and constant news reports. Sadly, we are under-stimulated by lacking social interaction, physical touch, routine exercise, and healthy social habits. This culminates to a feeling of exhaustion, brain fog, loneliness, sadness, and anxiety.

For those with pre-existing mental health disorders, they are suffering worse than everyone else as their symptoms are magnified exponentially. All of this anxiety then leads to disrupted sleep patterns further worsening the spiral of stress and anxiety.

So what can you do to help with this. If you’re able, try to eat a diet rich in nutrient dense foods like nuts, fruits, vegetables, fish, legumes, ancient grains, and lean protein. In addition to this, try to maintain healthy sleep hygiene. Check out my video on sleep for more info. For exercise, yoga is a great option and a simple google or YouTube search will yield a helpful video for various experience levels. Other calisthenic type workouts such as air squats, pushups, crunches, planks, jumping jacks, mountain climbers, and burpees can create a home HIIT workout. For those who need some fresh air, cycling, jogging, and walking are all acceptable however avoid crowded areas, exercise physical distancing of six feet or more, and wear a face covering. Set a routine you can follow, just like you would during your usual daily routine. Avoid saturating yourself with social media, news, and overall screen time as this is mentally and physically draining. Spend time doing hobbies to distract your mind from stress. Make sure to continue usual grooming habits and while sweatpants are tempting, don’t be afraid to dress up for living room to give yourself a fresh feeling. The biggest reminder is to not put yourself down for not feeling motivated or not wanting to do things.

Humans are meant to be social creatures. For those of you, like myself, who live alone during this quarantine, it can be especially difficult and sometimes lonely. Make sure to keep in touch with family and friends. FaceTime, Google Hangout, and the ever popular Zoom, are a great means of having social interactions. Text and call those you normally see regularly. Make sure not to isolate yourself socially. This is why I call it physical distancing rather than social distancing.

This is a stressful time which can have more than emotional consequences on your health. Be kind to others, smile, and do what is best for your health. Here is a great resource for those who may need help with isolation. Be well!