Many people write on social media that they get more tired than usual when they are isolated. Many people wonder how it can be when our activity is reduced.
The feeling of fatigue you are experiencing is most likely due to the mental stress associated with COVID-19, rather than physical exertion. Fatigue can have both physical and non-physical causes. After a 5 km run, an hour's rest is enough, and after an illness we can feel tired for several weeks.
But research has also shown that fatigue can be caused by psychological conditions like stress and anxiety. In the current situation, it may even be the monotony of the situation that makes us feel tired.
Thus, the psychological stress associated with the coronavirus can tire us out. So how do you get the energy back?
Configuration steps.
When we are faced with major changes, such as starting university studies or moving to a new country, a period of adaptation and transition is necessary. It takes time and happens in stages.
The first week of adaptation involves abandoning your previous lifestyle and work and establishing new interactions. Usually they are reached by the fourth or fifth day, after which life begins to become more stable and predictable.
People in the first few weeks of isolation may feel depressed. This is a normal adaptation phase. Please don't worry too much, rest assured that this will go away and you will feel better next week.
The transition to a new environment can be facilitated by writing a reflective journal. It can be helpful to write down your thoughts and feelings. Then you can track your progress and see how you tune in.
Full functional adaptation to the new lifestyle will occur in about three months. However, there is one period to be aware of, that it can occur about three weeks after onset, when a person may suddenly succumb to a fit of melancholy and loss of morale.
But once this phase has passed, the feeling of despondency does not return.
Structure priority.
To avoid feeling lethargic and depressed, it is important to create a clear structure for your day.
Structure allows us to gain some control over our lives. It helps prevent the accumulation of 'wasted' time, which can make people feel withdrawn and lethargic, sleep poorly, and neglect personal hygiene.
So while an atypical morning pastime may seem enjoyable, it's best to structure your day clearly and set aside time for social activities, even if they need to be done online.
Anxiety is another non-physical cause of fatigue. The pandemic has left people with confusion, insecurity and anxiety. All of these feelings can lead to poor sleep quality, which in turn can make people more tired and anxious.
Exercise to break this cycle. Being active or online training sessions can cause physical fatigue, but in the long term it will reduce the overall feeling of fatigue and improve sleep quality.
Planning ahead and setting goals is both possible and necessary. Being optimistic about the future will also help reduce anxiety and fatigue.
Sarita Robinson, Principal Lecturer in Psychology, University of Central Lancashire; and John Leach, Visiting Senior Fellow in Survival Psychology, University of Portsmouth.
Article published by The Conversation.
Sources: Photo: (Kinga Cichewicz / Unsplash)
