Prolonged periods of uncertainity and ups and downs in life can make people cycle through anxiety, depression, languishing, panic, grief, adjustment, hope… When the uncertainity does not end, it can lead to ‘worry fatigue’. We’ve been anxious for so long, we just can’t take it anymore.

This fatigue is very natural and is similar to the burnout one experiences after periods of prolonged stress. Our physical and emotional responses to stress help us cope with immediate danger, and our bodies then revert to their normal state once the danger is over. But when the stressful situation continues over a long period of time, we cannot remain in this state for long, resulting in burnout, a form of exhaustion.

What does that mean for us in everyday life? We might be unusually irritable – snapping at people who work for us and even our own family and friends, overreacting to things we could normally take in our stride. Many describe a sense of apathy, ‘I really don’t care any more’, and a loss of interest and enthusiasm. Tiredness and lack of energy are also increasingly experienced.

We can’t wait for the stress around us to diminish. Now, more than ever before, each of us must take active steps to feel better. The steps themselves are simple, in fact at times they may seem too simplistic to actually make a difference. But research has repeatedly shown that they are effective in relieving stress and helping us to ‘recharge our batteries’ and restore enthusiasm for life.

• Sleep well. You’ve heard this many times before, but getting a full night’s sleep is critical for physical and emotional wellbeing. Maintaining regular routines and good sleep hygiene practices will help.
   
• Exercise. Regular exercise, preferably outdoors does wonders for your mood. Exercise promotes secretion of hormones that promote a feeling of well-being and in fact is prescribed as a treatment for depression! Find a form of exercise that you enjoy, so you are more likely to keep it up.
   
• Eat right. In times of uncertainty, it’s so easy to reach out for comfort food, which often may not be the healthiest! A balanced diet is beneficial for energy levels and mood. Consult our dietician if you need help with this. 
   
• Identify energy drainers and refreshers. Pay attention to how different activities make you feel. Some of your social interactions may leave you feeling happier while others leave you feeling drained and unhappy. The same could apply to the programmes you watch, the social media you follow or any other activity. As far as possible reduce the time you spend on activities that drag you down, and actively seek those that make you feel cheerful and enthusiastic.
   
• Do something that absorbs your attention. When you are so engaged in an activity that you don’t feel the time passing, you are in a state that psychologists call ‘flow’. This doesn’t come when you passively surf the net or watch TV. Find an activity that puts you in this state – whether it is learning something new, a sport, gardening, yoga, cooking an elaborate meal or working on a project. This state of flow is especially beneficial in times of uncertainty.
   
• Connect with a counsellor. If there is something that’s continuing to bother you, or you are unable to shake off the feeling of sadness or anxiety, do talk to a counsellor who will be able to help you work through specific concerns in complete confidence.

Times are difficult, with no clear end in sight. It’s up to each of us to take active steps to recharge ourselves, recognising that these are not just ‘nice to do’ but as essential as taking prescribed medication for an illness. As you can see, the steps themselves are not at all complicated. Pick one or two of them, and apply them intentionally and consistently – you will see the difference.