2020 has caused significant stress and anxiety for most people in some form or another.

With COVID-19 being classed a global pandemic by the WHO in March 2020, nobody has escaped unscathed.

While initial reports indicated that life would return to normal in June, this wasn’t the case. July, August and September came and went and it’s safe to say that today and into the future, COVID-19 is still very much taking its toll.

Physically, financially, and emotionally.

Many have caught the virus, some have devastatingly lost loved ones, but for those who have escaped unscathed health-wise, the stress, anxiety, financial strain and fear for the future have been impossible to avoid.

In 2020, as a nation, many of us are out of routine, sleeping patterns are irregular and many of us are burnt out.

If the pandemic has impacted you, here are our recommendations on how to fight COVID-19 fatigue in uncertain times.

1) Regulate exposure to the news and social media

In our digital world, it’s hard to escape the constant barrage of breaking news, updates and viral posts. This ongoing exposure to global events has undoubtedly caused panic and fear as it’s become impossible to avoid the worst-case scenarios replaying on our screens.

While it’s important to remain informed about local laws and regulations, it’s just as important to moderate exposure to maintain emotional clarity. Try to limit the news as much as possible, ideally to once a day if necessary and remove social media apps from your phone. If you want to keep up to date with friends and family, schedule a social media check once or twice a day or contact loved ones directly.

2) Regular exercise

Regular exercise stimulates the feel-good endorphins which help elevate overall mood.
Further, exercising outside in the fresh air (within COVID-safe restrictions) gives a nature and vitamin D hit which are also proven to improve overall wellness. Exercise will also burn energy, control weight and help regulate sleeping patterns. Whatever the current restrictions for your area, take full advantage and move your body!

3) Meditate

Meditation is the process of clearing the mind through several techniques. By focussing on a specific thought or action, when practised regularly and effectively, mediation can decrease stress, reduce anxiety and lead to mental clarity.

Meditation can take on many forms. Deep breathing, yoga, mindfulness, praying and even sports such as surfing and riding a bike, to name a few, are known as excellent forms of meditation.

4) Eat a balanced nutritious diet

Now more than ever, it’s important to focus on health. Not only does nourishing the body with nutritious foods control weight and elevate mood, but it can also build the immune system which is the best defence against warding off and recovering from illness.

Aim for three to five small meals a day consisting mainly of whole foods in their most natural form. Berries are an excellent source of antioxidant. While it’s just as important to treat yourself during these uncertain times, limit sweet treats and highly processed foods to maintain balance.

5) Avoid alcohol

While alcohol has been used as a coping mechanism for some, there’s no denying that excessive consumption can lead to anxiety, poor sleep, inflammation, a weakened immune system, weight gain and depressed feelings or a low mood.

Limit alcohol consumption to special occasions to maintain mental clarity and a stronger immune system.

6) Neuro-linguistic programming (NLP)

NLP can help reprogram the negative thought patterns that cause excess stress and anxiety relating to the pandemic.

The brain automatically reacts to specific triggers (such as news reports, isolation or even fear surrounding panic buying of toilet paper and other groceries) with a stress response. NLP may help control the anxiety associated with the triggers and instead create more positive thought patterns. Rationally, we know there’s always going to be enough toilet paper to go round, and NLP can help your brain convey those messages too.

7) Help Contribute to a Positive Global Consciousness

By avoiding 1 above, and staying positive about the future and your health, this will in turn help boost your immune system and help you to vibrate at the frequency needed to successfully move through this. Right now we have the combined consciousness of many around the world who are driven by fear. Unfortunately this lowers the collective quantum frequency of global consciousness. It’s so important to remain positive to beat this pandemic. To understand more about the effects of individual attitudes and thoughts on the collective Global Consciousness, check out this article: The Global Consciousness Project (GCP). This is a long-term experiment designed to capture evidence of a possible unconscious interconnection of large numbers of people experiencing similar emotions. (Ref: https://noetic.org/blog/globalconsciousness-and-the-coronavirus-crisis/ )

8) Hypnotherapy and Professional Coaching

Hypnotherapy can help calm the mind and create a relaxed state which can then be used to address specific anxieties. Professional coaching can help motivate you to the next level and help you get back on track to achieve your goals. If you’re concerned about finances, government restrictions, your career or the health implications of COVID-19 for yourself or your loved ones, hypnotherapy, NLP and professional coaching are all great tools to help re-direct your thought process.

There’s no denying that life has changed for all of us since COVID-19 emerged at the start of the year. If you’re struggling to feel like yourself or you’ve noticed increased stress and anxiety, contact Jade today to discuss a plan for you to move forward successfully.