We are slowly starting the reopening and easing up on the lockdown. Different areas have had different levels of lockdown, and people have taken it seriously to different degrees. Regardless, it’s been a long haul already managing the restrictions and their impact, and looking into what this means going forward as this pandemic won’t be over any time soon… Is the reality of the longevity of this hitting you hard? You are certainly not alone! People are fatigued, but we can combat this!
First, let’s understand what the fatigue is about. It has to do with:
Being in a completely different daily environment/context than our usual (being locked-in with loved ones ongoingly without respite)
Creating and managing a different daily routine and workflow (adjusting to our days being different than the usual with all the new intricacies of restrictions to boot)
Learning how to do our tasks in a completely different way (learning, working and managing life solely online)
Having less support, amenities and services (having to do without childcare, cleaning and other services, personal care services and the like)
Mitigating the current responsibilities to others, financial and otherwise (carrying expenses in the face of less income or revenue, having sick family members to tend to, having larger responsibilities at work, and so on)
Taking care of our health if we get or are sick on top of everything else (feeling unwell or getting really sick where priorities totally need to shift)
Experiencing trauma, loss and grief (getting triggered, losing loved ones, missing out on life milestones and celebrations)
Having limited social and other interactions (having less opportunities for connecting outside our inner circle and having additional contact)
Missing out on activities, events, outings and the like (being limited in our repertoire and opportunities to refresh ourselves and savor life)
Dealing with the unknown, the uncertainty and being ready for what the future might bring (questioning ongoingly what’s up and what’s next, not knowing what to do or how to carry on)
Phew! Well not for nothing! And, you might even have other stuff in your life to add to this list. Feeling fatigued totally makes sense. I’d like to give you a gold star for hanging in there to the extent that you have. Yes, it is hard, and it makes sense you are tired.
But, at the end of the day how you come out of this pandemic is really up to you, regardless of the struggles and challenges. What you choose to focus on is up to you… How you end up feeling is up to you… How you choose to show up is up to you… What you choose to do about anything is up to you… Watch the thoughts that might trip you up and not let you fully take this in and embrace it!
Second, what do you do?
It’s time to take the bull by the horns and take charge of your life. Even though it makes sense to feel fatigued, at the end of the day it doesn’t have to kick your butt! It actually doesn’t have to feel so bad… For starters:
Don’t stack your thoughts against yourself, others, the situation – what you allow yourself to think will perpetuate whatever feelings you are feeling. Don’t think ugh, gloom and doom, disaster and worst-case scenarios. Focus instead on what is a lesson for you, what is your growth place, what opportunity this creates, how can you serve better, and the like…
Think on how you want to Be… How are you Being that way already and how you can be that way more…
Think on what you want to do the rest of the year… What philosophy will you embrace and how will you run your life accordingly?
Approaching life from this angle is more empowering and relieves the stress and fatigue. It actually is inspiring and motivating… I promise.
The key is to want to feel better. Sometimes we just love to wallow in self-pity… We love to whine, complain and entertain conspiracy theories. Listen, regardless of what is going on out there, you are in charge of what is going on in your mind… For that is where the perspective, feelings and decisions are generated, and actually where life is created…
ASSIGNMENT: Decide to feel better, take charge of your mind, take charge of your life…
Make a list of all the thoughts and scripts running through your mind, check them for logical validity and clean them up…
Decide what values you want to live by and how you want to show up. Clean up parts of your routine that get in the way of this.
Choose what is one accomplishment you want to have under your belt during the lockdown, and then one for the rest of the year. Focus on accomplishing the goals, share it with loved ones to infuse it with good mojo. The rest of the to-dos are secondary… Prioritize accordingly.
That’s it. Don’t over think it. Don’t over complicate it. You can create what you want. Set your mind to it and do it.
When you simplify your approach and shift your focus, you feel much better… You’ll be able to replenish, build community and enrich your life easier even under restrictions… You can do it!
Here are recent Blog posts for quick reference, for you to grab what fits your current state and situation…
9 Tactics for weathering your quarantine (lockdown)
5 Insights for your physical and mental health
Pain is inevitable, suffering is optional
Focus on building stamina and resilience
Ready for positiveness yet?
Do you know you create your reality?
Coping with healthy vs unhealthy habits
Complete the Assignment, and share your takeaway, insights, and results with a note in the Comments box at the end! I’d love to hear how you are using this content.
Happy Recharging!
P.S. As always, we are here for you! If you need more support to creating your successful and meaningful life, we are here to help. I’d be honored to speak with you about how we can help you. Schedule a Get Acquainted Call to connect, and discuss how we can help you and how to get started. Look forward to Connecting with you!
P.S.S. Get the Quotes & Quickies™ for this post
P.S.S.S. Share Your Thoughts & Successes in the comment box at the end! Take a moment now to share below any thoughts, comments, take away, tips, and successes! PLEASE post a comment now – we grow in community! Thanks for connecting with the MetroRelationship™ Family!
Copyright (c) 2020 Emma K. Viglucci. All rights reserved.
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Emma K. Viglucci, LMFT is the Founder and Director of Metropolitan Marriage & Family Therapy, PLLC, a private practice that specializes in working with couples, she is the creator of the MetroRelationship™ philosophy and a variety of Successful Couple™ content that assist couples succeed at their relationship and their life. Stay Connected™ with Emma and receive weekly Connection Notes in your inbox with Personal Growth and Relationship Enrichment insights and strategies, visit: www.metrorelationship.com.
Emma K. Viglucci, LMFT has been in the mental health field in varying capacities for the past 20+ years. She is the Founder and Director of MetroRelationship.com a psychotherapy and coaching practice specializing in working with busy professional and entrepreneurial couples who are struggling getting on the same page and feeling connected.