~Practice Self-Compassion~
As we move into our 6th week of quarantine, I’m taking note that many are beginning to feel lethargic, unmotivated, a certain amount of ennui, and even a little depression. These feelings may be coming from what I call “routine fatigue,” –the same thing, different day blahs. But they may also stem from what Elizabeth Yuko at Rolling Stone magazine calls a “moral fatigue.” There’s a certain psychological heaviness in our day-to-day routine right now and making choices can feel like one more burden. Yuko said, “Every decision feels like it carries the weight of life and death–and it’s starting to take a toll.” Prior to COVID-19 we made small decisions easily-should I take that run now or later, what should I get at the grocery store, shall I let the kids play outside? Now those simple choices have taken on a new weightiness with potentially much larger consequences.
What we knew to be true two months, even two weeks, ago is drastically different than our reality today. Since past experience is our best predictor for future choices, we are in a constant questioning mindset. This kind of uncertainty can have a fatiguing affect on us that isn’t necessarily detectable initially, but may sneak up on us and suddenly feel overwhelming. Our brains rely on fresh input and since that information is currently unsettling and even frightening at times, it ultimately wears on us and can feel exhausting.
The good news is that we are adaptable beings. Our brains have the ability to process new information and create new solutions based on that input, it may just happen a little more slowly than we are accustomed. It can feel difficult to be patient during these times when things already seem to be moving at a snails pace and we are pining for life to return to “normal”. But we have an opportunity to practice acceptance and self-compassion right now more than ever before. Try to stick to your routine to the best of your ability, and if you feel you can’t and need to take a mental health hour or day, do it without judging yourself. If you don’t feel like connecting with family or friends for a day or two, honor that. If you’re finding that you’re unmotivated at work currently, allow yourself to give what you can and trust that you’ll be re-energized again soon. Know and trust your body, mind, and spirit to tell you what you need. Accept it and practice compassion for where you are now, and know that this is a temporary state that will shift in the coming days.
It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent… It is the one that is most adaptable to change.” -Charles Darwin
Lisa Pasquinelli, PhD 