By TDrew
It’s almost been three years since the pandemic began. Life as we knew it has changed drastically. It’s still so hard to believe how much we’ve had to restructure our lives and find a new normal in that time. Through it all, it’s been a challenge with working, traveling, taking care of family members and friends who have gotten COVID, taking care of ourselves, and more. COVID fatigue is real, but luckily there are a few ways to help as we work on coping and getting throughout it.
Dealing With COVID Fatigue
After contracting any viral infection, it can take some time to bounce back and feel like yourself again. I can say that after testing positive for COVID, I didn’t expect to still be struggling so much all this time later. COVID symptoms can vary from person to person, due to everyone’s immune system being different, and so can everyone’s recovery time. While some have an extremely hard time managing their symptoms throughout their sickness, others have it milder.
I am what some medical experts coin as a “COVID long hauler,” where, though I’m not sick anymore, my body is still struggling to dismiss some symptoms and fully recover. My COVID fatigue has lingered longer than usual, and not only has it affected my physical mood, but my emotional and mental mood, too. COVID depression and COVID anxiety are very common because the disease wreaks havoc on your body, and when it takes your body an extended amount of time to recover, it can play a big part in your mental well-being. Your body and mind are very connected, so when one is off, the other one is likely to be as well.
Although it’s difficult to navigate through this time, whether you’ve had COVID or not, here are a few things to help you cope, boost your immune system, and stay as healthy as you can.
Find a Support Group
Finding a support group and engaging in dialogue can help you not feel so alone. Whether that’s talking to your friends for a few minutes a day, checking in with family, or exploring other ways to meet people (both virtually and safely in person), it’s important to do this to keep your mind engaged and stimulated. In these isolating times, it’s very easy to check out. When you are engaging with others and staying socially healthy, this can help your serotonin levels rise and bring some light and happiness to a challenging time. Having moments when you want to be alone is certainly okay, but try your best to not make it a daily habit.
Consider One of the COVID-19 Vaccines
If you’re comfortable doing so, consider getting one of the COVID-19 vaccines and subsequent booster shots. Johnson & Johnson, Moderna, and Pfizer are now available at most local drug stores, so getting it couldn’t be more convenient. However, take the time to make sure it’s what you’d like to do first. If it’s not a step you’re not ready to make, that’s okay, and regardless, it’s important to still take other measures in being proactive to help stop the spread of COVID.
Continue Wearing a Mask
Whether you’re vaccinated or unvaccinated, it’s important to still use caution. COVID can be contracted even while vaccinated, after all. Wearing your mask and practicing social distance measures can provide you and others with safety as well as ease your mind about getting sick.
Staying Hydrated
Consuming enough water throughout your day is essential. Not only does water help with your skin, digestion, and more, it can help you stay focused throughout the day and more mentally aware and sharp. When your water intake is too low, you become dehydrated. Dehydration contributes to many health issues, including lack of energy, focus, and mental health struggles. Challenge yourself to drink 8 glasses of water a day, and especially focus on having water first thing in the morning to start your day off right!
Make Exercise and Rest a Priority
Finding the time to go to the gym can be really hard, especially with work schedules, taking care of family, etc. If you have 15–30 minutes in your day, find a way to move your body. This could be a quick run, a walk around the block, riding your bike, and more. Exercise allows your body to wake up and get a boost of energy after being sedentary for too long.
Another way to help manage stress is by taking a few minutes to do some breathing exercises, stretches, or meditations. There are free mobile apps you can download to help guide you through stretching, breathing exercises, and meditations that are very helpful, whether you’re new to this or if it’s something already in your daily regimen. It’s also very versatile; you can do it first thing in the morning, during a lunch break, or after work — whenever you have a bit of time. Give your body the opportunity to release some of the tension, anxiety, COVID fatigue, or other COVID-19 emotions that might be bottled up inside of you. In tandem with your exercise, try to get enough sleep if possible. Setting a daily bedtime reminder can help you set some structure and routine that will make it easier to ensure you’re getting proper rest.
Eat Healthier Meals and Take Your Supplements
Along with drinking enough water per day, it’s important to make sure you’re getting the proper nutrients as well. Consuming healthy foods, as well as any necessary vitamins, can strengthen and improve your immune system while also preventing you from getting sick as frequently. While it’s okay to treat yourself and enjoy good food, it’s important to incorporate healthy foods such as adequate protein, complex carbs, vegetables, your daily multivitamins, and more to find some balance and keep you as energized as possible.
Some supplements that I took to help with fatigue included Zinc, Lysine, Vitamin D3, Elderberry, Sea Moss, Magnesium. These supplements can be found in our 1AND1 Shield supplement. Including these supplements while also eating healthier meals can improve your overall energy tremendously.
Coping With COVID Fatigue
COVID fatigue is real and exhausting. Just remember, however you’re feeling, you’re not alone, and you’re more than justified in your feelings. You’re doing your best to adjust to conditions that are by no means normal. So take it a step at a time, be gentle with yourself, and continue doing whatever you need to do to make yourself and your health a priority. We need you!
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