You and your family may have been under “stay at home” orders since the middle of March 2020. Hopefully, you have all been washing your hands correctly (and often), and maintaining at least six feet of distance between you and the other people while grocery shopping. You followed the recommendation to wear cloth masks when you are outside. The goal is to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
Since then, some people have started feeling what is being called quarantine fatigue. According to psychotherapist Paul Hokemeyer, PhD, quarantine fatigue stems from that emotional exhaustion the COVID-19 pandemic has placed on our lives.
People feel exhausted. People feel unkempt. This may be due to the lack of energy to keep up with personal hygiene while worrying about catching the virus. Parents are exhausted from trying to work from home while their children’s schools are closed. Kids are bored, irritable, and missing their friends and teachers. Couples are starting to irritate each other.
Fortunately, there are some things you can do to feel better and stay safe:
Take a shower and wash your hair. Hot water can make people’s muscles physically relax. Soap and shampoo tends to smell good, and that might pick up your mood. Everyone loves the nice, clean, feeling they have after taking a shower.
Do some chores. Do a load of laundry. Make your bed. Spend ten minutes tidying up and decluttering a small part of your home. These simple tasks can help people feel like they still have some control in their life. Chores are a great way to feel like you accomplished something.
If you must go outside – head for your back porch or backyard. Breathe some fresh air. Water some plants. Stand in the sun for a little while. Make sure to stay at least six feet away from neighbors.
Related Articles on Families.com:
Social Distancing Helps Prevent Spread of Coronavirus
CDC Recommends Wearing Cloth Masks Outside
Ways to Keep Kids Busy While Stuck at Home