Pandemic fatigue is as real as the pandemic itself. It is the cause of exhaustion in human beings. Physical and social distancing in addition to economic and financial hardships has caused a huge damage to many people’s psychological wellbeing. Information influx, intensive theories and uncertainty, all this is tiring. It is important to note that people are both in under-stimulated and over-stimulated states and both can result in negative impacts on moods.
To add to the fatigue is the screen fatigue. Classes work, zoom meetings, presentations have now brought a realisation in people about the importance of ace-to-face laughter and camaraderie and community.
Many people have started moving out, because staying indoors for long is not possible. In a long term, every work becomes like an essential work. The masked world have left the virus and its play to destiny and adjusted to the new normal.
Pandemic fatigue has logically followed the Quarantine fatigue. It has come with adjustments and o find ways to adapt to current circumstances. Routines and schedules are helpful to chalk out the plans and days.
Making personal time while also connecting with friends and family is very important, more so during this period. Physical exercise and maintaining a diet while staying away from less healthy vices are also the need of the hour. This keeps the immunity stronger. It’s important to remember that human race is resilient and that we have the ability to get through hard times. Taken in a positive note, the pandemic and social distancing guidelines provide us with new opportunities to be creative, work differently and come together as family, friends, colleagues and community.
We also know by now that being kind and charitable to other people is therapeutic; so, reaching out and being that cheerful presence for somebody else is a great thing to do because kindness is contagious and has a shield to fight the fatigue.
(Dr Samanta is MP, Kandhamal, and founder, KIIT & KISS)