Are you feeling more tired these days, despite getting enough sleep? You may be feeling this way partly because of the stress and trauma of the COVID- 19 pandemic. Many of us are dealing with grief from the death of a loved one or other losses. Physical distancing and wearing masks are constantly on our minds, too. We’re staying inside more, working or taking classes from home, or perhaps dealing with the loss of a job. We’re anxious to “get back to normal.”

 

In addition to stress related to COVID-19, many folks are feeling stress from the sudden awareness of the effects of hundreds of years of racial inequality and violence. And finally, others also have concerns about climate change and its effect on the weather, our health and our food supply.

 

When you’re under stress or experiencing trauma, your body sends out stress hormones like adrenalin. Over time, too much adrenaline depletes the body, making you tired, irritable and not feeling like yourself. Over a longer time period – like this past year—stress and trauma can affect you mentally, physically and spiritually.

 

Here are three ways you can manage your feelings of fatigue:

1. Stop and reflect. Think about how stress and trauma may be affecting your life at work, school or at home. Are you feeling more sadness than usual? Are you eating too much — or too little? Maybe you’re experiencing body aches or trouble sleeping or remembering things, or perhaps you’re making poor decisions, or misusing alcohol or drugs. You may even question the meaning of life. All of these are normal responses to stress.

 

2. Create a self-care plan. Include the following: schedule regular check-ups with your primary care provider; eat healthy meals; drink enough water; and avoid alcohol and recreational drugs. Try to exercise and get adequate sleep, too. Prayer or meditation can help, as can doing art or listening to music. And as much as possible, connect with positive, supportive people.

 

3. Talk to a professional. When life gets overwhelming, speaking to a mental health counselor can help. To learn more about mental health services at Montefiore, call 718-430-2290 or visit https://www.montefiore.org/psychiatry.

 

Brenda Boatswain, Ph.D., CGP is the wellbeing manager for Montefiore Medical Center, Office of Community & Population Health.