Let's talk about COVID-19 burn out. At seven weeks into this pandemic, with no clear end in sight, we have all undoubtedly begun to feel the anxiety, stress, and frustration that has engulfed almost every aspect of our lives. Families are struggling to pay bills, put food on the table, and stay safe and healthy. Working parents are struggling to juggle work and their children’s school work all while continuing to tend to their day to day family operations. Children are struggling to understand the ramifications of the virus, social distancing, online learning, missing crucial social and emotional development that can only come from their friends and peers, and they may also be silently and helplessly watching their parents struggle. Seniors are feeling more and more isolated, unable to get the care or help they so desperately need, missing important events in the lives of their children, and missing their grandchildren and great grandchildren as they grow and change. The disabled population, most especially the Deafblind, are feeling more and more secluded and helpless every day. They are given minimal support at best and are sometimes treated like burdens or pariahs.
There is a really great saying that has been going around lately and it basically says that we aren’t all in the same boat but we are all weathering the same storm. This whole pandemic looks very differently for each of us but we can learn from each other and help each other through it. I know that personally, I have been struggling a lot lately. But through all of this, I have learned so much. I learned how important self-care should be and that sometimes we need to step away from things and take some time for ourselves. We can’t possibly be expected to do all of the stuff that is required of us if we have a breakdown. Remember deep, calming breaths and there are trained people all over who can help. Or maybe a simple phone call to a friend or loved one. Take that afternoon nap if you can. Go for a long walk with your family. And read that book, even if it takes you all month. I have also learned what it means to really have a conversation with someone and how important phone calls and snail mail actually can be, especially for the elderly. If you have small children, let them draw or color pictures to send to family. Have older children write letters or emails. Make that call to a loved one that you have been putting off because you haven’t had the time. Who knows, you may make their day. Pay attention to the news but don’t let it overwhelm or consume you. Enjoy the little things that you may have been overlooking because you were too busy. Remember that every day is a blessing and make sure to hold your little ones tightly because they don’t stay little forever.
If anyone is suffering from COVID-19 burn out and is in need of support or help, for any reason, feel free to reach out to me at any time. Stay safe and take care.
~Lisa
There is a really great saying that has been going around lately and it basically says that we aren’t all in the same boat but we are all weathering the same storm. This whole pandemic looks very differently for each of us but we can learn from each other and help each other through it. I know that personally, I have been struggling a lot lately. But through all of this, I have learned so much. I learned how important self-care should be and that sometimes we need to step away from things and take some time for ourselves. We can’t possibly be expected to do all of the stuff that is required of us if we have a breakdown. Remember deep, calming breaths and there are trained people all over who can help. Or maybe a simple phone call to a friend or loved one. Take that afternoon nap if you can. Go for a long walk with your family. And read that book, even if it takes you all month. I have also learned what it means to really have a conversation with someone and how important phone calls and snail mail actually can be, especially for the elderly. If you have small children, let them draw or color pictures to send to family. Have older children write letters or emails. Make that call to a loved one that you have been putting off because you haven’t had the time. Who knows, you may make their day. Pay attention to the news but don’t let it overwhelm or consume you. Enjoy the little things that you may have been overlooking because you were too busy. Remember that every day is a blessing and make sure to hold your little ones tightly because they don’t stay little forever.
If anyone is suffering from COVID-19 burn out and is in need of support or help, for any reason, feel free to reach out to me at any time. Stay safe and take care.
~Lisa