Are you tired of alcohol sanitizer and hand gel, aloofness, lack of human touch, and endless covered faces? You are not alone. It's been a year since the COVID-19 pandemic was declared, and we are all still mentally and physically exhausted. We have made changes and constantly adapted our routines to new developments, recent advances, and unfortunate setbacks. For some, this entire adjustment has been an opportunity to reinvent themselves and turn around their lives, jobs, and priorities. For others (the majority), it was and continues to be a long and painful process in every way. Which is why we want to give you suggestions to help mitigate the pandemic fatigue.
Beat discouragement with good deeds
Lack of motivation is a very common feeling nowadays due to the mental and emotional fatigue that this battle against the virus has provoked, producing discouragement, depression, uncertainty, bad mood, and, in many cases, aggressiveness (1). One way to combat this is to perform acts of kindness by helping or surprising others. You can, for example, take food to the homeless in your area, be kind to someone who helps you with chores in your house or building, offer to walk a neighbor's dog from time to time, help an elderly or sick relative by doing their grocery shopping for them, and the list goes on. Good deeds not only improve our relationships with others, but also generate a sense of well-being, satisfaction, and purpose that is reflected in our own health. (2)
Connect with nature
Mental health experts advise forest bathing or shinrin-yoku, an Eastern practice, that involves simply connecting with nature as an effective therapy to change your surrounding environment, relax, disconnect the mind, and improve overall mood. This is because being in nature decreases stress markers, especially the hormone cortisol, in the short term (3).
In Japan, an interdisciplinary option has been created within alternative, environmental, and preventive medicine called ‘Forest Medicine’ and harnesses the benefits of nature on human health, such as lowering blood pressure, heart rate, and stress hormones, decreasing anxiety, depression, anger, fatigue, and confusion, and increasing energy, among other benefits. (4)
Although therapy can be a very effective holistic ritual, you don't need to be in a mountain forest for this to work. You can enjoy a park, walk around the neighborhood, visit a natural area, or bask in your own backyard. The key is to pay more attention to nature, its details, and consciously and purposefully enjoy them in the moment.
Fill yourself with color
Another way to combat discouragement is to try new activities, even if we are not very good at it. Several studies have proven the relationship between artistic expressions, such as painting or music, and improved mood and health. (5)
Painting is a very relaxing and easy technique to carry out. If creativity is not your thing, you can try a color by number. The idea is to add the same color indicated by the number in each piece of the painting. These designs can be found in any store or online, just search for ‘paint by numbers.’
Lower stress and improve your mindset
Try improving your mood by supporting your brain with natural supplements, like ashwagandha, that help precisely combat the feeling of mental exhaustion and anxiety and promotes balance. Five studies analyzed in a systematic review showed that ashwagandha helps reduce anxiety and stress. (6)
Exercise to regain both physical and mental strength
The fastest and most effective formula to restore energy is exercise. Countless studies have shown that since the beginning of the last century, the relationship between a healthy mind and a good mood is through physical activity. Exercise helps fight depression and stress and stimulates endorphins, or hormones that promote well-being, in men and women at any age (7). Dr. Juan has a simple, effective, and easy-to-do technique called ‘El Diezmo.’ The idea is to start a more active lifestyle gradually. The tithe involves 10 minutes of exercise at least a couple of times a day, using simple movements that activate and maintain your muscles and get your heart working. Here's an idea of how to do a tithe routine.
Boost your energy
When we are discouraged and lack energy, it’s like being in a hole that is difficult to climb out of. To avoid getting entangled in a vicious circle with no way out, help yourself with supplements that provide a boost. Ginseng, for example, helps overcome mental fatigue and stimulates you physically. (8)
One step, and one day, at a time.
Let's be healthier, more optimistic, and energized together!
Your Santo Remedio team
