Pandemic Burnout — What It Is And How To Overcome It

Burnout has been on the rise in recent years with our constantly on-the-go lifestyles.

But then a global pandemic hit, and most of us were forced to press pause. Suddenly our social calendars were empty. Our commutes were no more, and, for some of us, work stopped too.

While uncertain and unwelcome, it gave rise to something beautiful: appreciating the small joys in life, getting outdoors more, and quality time with our loved ones.

We adapted to this “new normal” of less hurrying and time to slow down.

But even with this slower pace, we’ve seen greater levels of burnout. It turns out “pandemic burnout” is a real thing.

This is because, while we may have let go of the stress of our daily commutes or gained some distance from our overbearing boss, that stress has been replaced. We now have draining video calls (check it out “Zoom fatigue” exists), blurred lines between work life and home life, and an underlying anxiety of when this will all be over.

With governments all over the world imposing lockdowns, lifting them only to reintroduce them again, our stress levels are constantly yo-yo-ing, and this is leading us to burnout.

What is pandemic burnout?

In short, pandemic burnout is exhaustion. While many of us were anxious at the start of the pandemic, we were also on high alert. We were more engaged and determined to get through this. In fact, workplace engagement reached a new high in summer 2020.

But one year on, the constant good news/bad news cycle has taken its toll. While we may remain optimistic and hopeful, there’s no denying that the stress of it all has started to have an effect.

The symptoms of pandemic burnout

Burnout, by definition, is being too stressed for too long. The result is a shutdown of mind and body, where we say, “I can’t do this anymore.”

Symptoms include:

• Difficulty concentrating and being easily distracted.
• Disturbed sleep and insomnia.
• Trouble remembering things and retaining information.
• Feeling tired and lethargic, even with plenty of sleep.
• Feeling easily overwhelmed by work or home life.
• Increased irritability and frustration, even over seemingly small things.
• Feeling there is simply “too much” that you can’t do any of it.

How to overcome pandemic burnout

Looking after our wellbeing is more important than ever. The impact of pandemic burnout is physical, emotional, and mental. It’s vital that we give ourselves the time, space, and attention we need to rest, replenish, and reset.

Self-care is key to this. Schedule time for yourself at least once a week to do something that brings you joy. This isn’t something you have to do; it’s something you want to do purely because you enjoy it.

Self-care is different for everyone. It could be booking in for a massage, going for a long walk with a friend, watching your favorite TV show, or reading a good book. For more advice on self-care, read these 5 things anyone can do to optimize their wellness.

While self-care is important, it’s also essential that we take care of each other. Look out for any signs of burnout among your friends, family, and co-workers. Reach out and offer a kind ear or shoulder to cry on should they need it. You’d be surprised how much that gesture could help someone who feels like everything is too much right now.

For help getting the rest and replenishment your mind and body deserve, listen to success coach Alexis Artin’s free Whole Body Wellness Meditation.