How to beat COVID-19 fatigue

Working from home. Home-schooling the kids. Eating at home. Exercising at home. Walking around the same block day in, day out. Needing ‘me-time’, just like everyone else in the house. Staying at home, because it’s the right thing to do.

We feel for all the parents out there who are in this boat. It’s exhausting.

The good news is, there are some simple steps you can take to change your thoughts, feelings and actions. Here’s some advice from our community outreach nurse, Corina.

Write it down

When you wake up, write down one thing you can do to inspire yourself and the people around you. It might be based on a positive quote from your favourite family movie, or a photo that captures your perseverance or kindness. No matter where you draw your inspiration from, make it a habit to share your goal for the day with the family. Together, you can keep each other accountable and strive to be the best version of yourselves during these trying times.

Mother and daughter chopping vegetables together

Have a dance-off

Make sure you step away from the screen every hour for five to 10 minutes. Put your favourite song on, turn it up and get dancing around the lounge. The kids will get a kick out of seeing their parents dance to 80s music, and you can even learn how to bust a move or two from your kids! Laughter is a great de-stressor, can lower blood pressure and build your immunity.

Take a break

When you hit the 3pm slump, it’s time to put on those walking shoes and mask, grab the dog and kids and blitz the block. This is a great way to lower your blood glucose and cholesterol levels, clear your mind and move your body.

When you get back, it’s time for a cuppa and a handful of nuts, piece of fruit or tub of yoghurt.

Remember: drink two litres of fluid (mainly water) throughout the day. Hydration is key to a clear mind and healthy kidneys.

Be present

It’s dinner time. Try having a picnic in the lounge, or create your very own ‘MasterChef’ challenge. Turn off all the screens, put on some chill out music and break the lockdown routine.

A weekend treat

Start the day with a stretch and a breakfast you would normally buy at your favourite café. Smashed avocado, poached eggs and feta on toast, anyone? There are plenty of café-style recipes out there – just search online!

Wind down

Sleep is important at every age. Adults need about eight hours a night and kids need about ten. Routine is the key to a decent night’s sleep, so try and go to bed at the same time each night and cut out drinks containing caffeine a couple of hours beforehand. Bedrooms should be dark, cool and free from TVs. Put your phones and tablets on ‘sleep mode’, and allow yourself to rest, ready for the next day.

Be kind to yourself

This gig isn’t easy. Don’t be too hard on yourself if you lose patience or you’re struggling to get motivated. Tomorrow is a new day, and you’re not in it alone. Reach out to your partner, your family, your friends and colleagues if you’re struggling. In fact, reach out to them anyway – a friendly voice is enough to cheer anyone up.