I wish to share an experience that is ubiquitous these days but seldom spoken of or truly understood; that is emotional fatigue. How often do you go through the day, either on the ‘front line’ or even at home keeping with quarantine guidelines, and find at the end of the day, you are totally exhausted? If so, you are not alone. The amount of emotional stress we endure and don’t disclose or release during these past seven weeks of the ‘social distancing” and total change of our lifestyle and routines, has been immense. One is hard-pressed to find anyone who is ‘happy go lucky and enjoying their time without worry or angst!

I have head and personally studied our human resilience. That is, the ability to recoup and keep going, the strength of character that we have learned from our parents, and life’s journey to ‘never give up.” This is a very different situation. Emotional stress wears on our soul, our spirit, and our sense of motivation and achievement. If it doesn’t let up, we start to decompensate, experiencing fatigue, exhaustion, poor sleep, irritability, and sometimes poor judgment.

We are human beings—all living and processing information daily, juggling amazing amounts of new requirements just to make sure everyone’s day is completed by the end of the day,  doing our own work, and reaching out and checking on friends and family.

How much more can adult human beings add to their plate as partners or individuals before we start to break? Don’t forget, we are social animals.

When we are stuck in our homes, or even at work for long hours, we need interaction and communication (offline) with others to break up the intensity of the time. I’m not telling you anything you have not experienced or felt up to this point. Right? Right!

I propose that yes, while we are resilient and social, we are feeling that the COVID 19 pandemic is a war unlike any other fought by our ancestors, one that is not seen but is everywhere we go. We are vulnerable fighting it with what appears simple guidelines: social distancing, hand washing, wearing a mask, wear gloves when we are outdoors, or food shopping,  Yet, each time we seem to get a handle on things, there appears to be new information transforming what we thought we knew, new data is discovered about its etiology and spread. More reason for worry and fear.

I propose that we hold onto hope and we let go of fear.
Once fear sets in can easily become paralyzed by it and cannot move or think creatively. I believe our brain has phenomenal resilience if we are hopeful and mindful if rational thought controls our actions. If driven by hope, we can see that even small actions can be powerful.

If we recognize our caring efforts, our adherence to guidelines, and communication of techniques with others on how to decrease our sense of being overwhelmed. With hope, we can have faith. With faith, we have power and strength.

Faith is not necessarily religious, although it can be. It may be a personal belief system, a view of the universe that is kind and gracious. It may be an integration of spiritual beliefs that support you throughout your day. Do not give up on what you cannot see or feel, believe from your heart and your spirit. You are stronger than anything you have ever known.

I have encouraged clients to take a few minutes at the end of the day, after maybe a warm shower or bath with Epson salts, and sit quietly and reflect on the day. Take this time to write your experience in a few paragraphs and note three things that you are grateful for today. Give yourself a prayer for peace and grounding, and take a deep breath and move on to the next phase of your day.

This effort does much for your present and future state of mind. For the present, you have a personal outlet to express your feelings through written words. For the future, when this is all behind us, you can reflect on how you got through this, like reading your history through the invisible war against our lifeline.

Going outside at least twice a day with a mask on and gloves. Take a walk for ten minutes and connect with the world around you. The purpose of this recommendation is to see that nature is blossoming and responding to rebirth. The world is offering beauty manifest through animals, birds, and colors waking up with the Spring.

There is hope is all around you here. A tree is always available to hug. Feel the energy it has to share. The ground is always underfoot to feel grounded and connected with the universe.

If the weather does not cooperate, look out a window. Breath deeply, and close your eyes. Feel the energy around you. Be silent for a few minutes to ground yourself and refocus. Be in the moment.

We are all social humans and we are all energetic humans. We are in charge of our energy. So take charge of it. Use it to help you recuperate, regenerate, and reinvigorate yourself throughout the day.

After your day is over and you have reconnected with your higher self, think of who you miss the most. Reach out with a text, zoom, skype, or call and spend a few minutes sharing about your day or life challenges.

Your family may not be living with you, but you still think about them.  Reach out to your friends, and schoolmates. Do not isolate yourself.  People care about you, and you care about people. We need each other.

These self-care measures are beneficial and worthwhile. It may take time and effort to love and nurture yourself but without doubt, worth the effort. Try what has been suggested in this article. Be in tune with your energy and remember to hold hope and faith, and your power! You will feel your resilience returning naturally.

We will move forward, and this struggle will be behind us. We will all be stronger, more insightful, and gracious in the end.

Believe. Think. Stay Calm. Let your actions be from a place of hope and mindfulness. Believe in your abilities and keep peace in your energy field. You are the hero, and always will be.

Namaste.
Santa