Recently I took my mother to an appointment at a large Seattle hospital. We both had to go through the COVID-19 screening protocol. You know—Do you have a cough? A fever? Sore throat? Then the employee asked about fatigue. At that point I laughed and said, “Who isn’t tired these days?” Fortunately, the hospital worker had a sense of humor, too.
This pandemic is starting to feel interminable. I look back and am grateful for the blissful ignorance of the first few months of quarantine, when we didn’t know what we were in for! The direct results of this virus have shaken some of us to our core, with impacts to the health of loved ones or loss of employment. For all of us, there have been smaller losses, and the virus seems to add an extra layer of complication, uncertainty, and stress to our lives. The thing is, the virus doesn’t replace all the other struggles of everyday life—it is added on top of them.
In the past couple of weeks, in addition to dealing with my mother’s health issues, three friends were having a hard time, and I wanted to be supportive. One was unexpectedly diagnosed with cancer, another is waiting for definitive test results, and a third was going through a stressful time. We learned our dog has a heart condition. There have been relationship issues to deal with. Then I strained the muscles in my back and could barely move without excruciating pain. The pandemic is just one more layer. (Not to mention that honestly, I find just following the headlines these days to be exhausting!)
Yesterday morning it took me a while to even get out of bed. No, it wasn’t because my back hurt—that’s healing. But I was physically tired, and even more than that, I was emotionally drained. I had no motivation to do anything. Do you have days like that? I know I’m not the only one. In fact, just today someone was telling me she went to Costco, and they now have a huge section devoted just to coffee! Hmmm . . . what does that say?
When I started this blog, not only did I want to try to offer words of encouragement, I also imagined it as a place where readers could offer encouragement to one another. So, here’s my question: If you have days when you feel physically and emotionally worn down, what do you do? What can you say to help others? Let me offer a few words, and I would love to see some of you respond with your own thoughts.
First off, acknowledge how you feel and don’t add guilt on top of it. Know you are not alone in feeling as you do. It’s important to take care of yourself. Not every day has to be super productive. And, finally, you can look for joy and gratitude without denying that this is a tough time.
So, what did I do yesterday to cope with how I felt? Well, for me, heading to the water and getting on my paddle board is always restorative, but since my back was still a bit stiff, I opted for an extra-long walk. At first, the warm sun felt great. Then, as we kept going and the weather warmed, both my dog and I slowed down a bit. But somehow, at the same time that my body got tired from walking, my mind and my spirit seemed to revive. During the walk, I listened to two sermons on a favorite app. One was about a topic that particularly interested me, the other was about hope. Perfect for when I needed inspiration! Then, toward the end of the walk, I had an unexpected gift. I saw a woman I recognized, though I don’t know her well. I waved and said hello. We began to talk . . . and really shared. We happened to be standing on opposite sides of her front yard, so there were no safety concerns. Having that time, in person, face to face with another human being, was just what I needed. When I returned home, I felt restored for the rest of the day.
Are you feeling tired? What helps you? Can you offer ideas or encouragement to other readers? Just scroll down to “Leave a Reply” at the bottom of the page. Your comment will show up online as soon as it is approved. If you’re too tired to type much, feel free to respond in a word or two, like “exhausted” or “me, too”.
I Thessalonians 5:11
New International Version
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
King James Bible
Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.
Mike Witiw
31 Aug 2020I really like when you said every day does not have to be super productive – I think everyone has days where they feel they did not accomplish a whole lot.
JAH
2 Sep 2020We as a country are tired and that just further adds to we as an individual being tired. The country can’t just crank up the stereo with Led Zeppelin or take the afternoon off to hit the water or sit back and just read a book. So as an individual we need to take time to do whatever we do to release the stress and tension and that mental weight we are all feeling. I propose that the country have a national stress relief day. We all take the day, forget about being productive and focus on finding joy, peace and relaxation.
admin
2 Sep 2020Thanks for your thoughts. We may not get a national stress relief day, but we can each designate a day.
Jenny Shute
3 Sep 2020Thank you for expressing what so many people are feeling. It is encouraging to read your posts and remember that I am not alone! I have been helped in this season of pandemic by seeking to find what I CAN do now that I can’t do in my “normal” life – spend an entire day painting, go for walks with my husband in the middle of the day, or take as long as I want to during my time with God. I’m trying to look for what I do have, rather than what I don’t. Sometimes it works, and others, it’s a struggle..
admin
3 Sep 2020Jenny – It helps to know you’re not alone, doesn’t it?! Thank you for sharing a helpful perspective…and for admitting that some days are still a struggle!
Sheryl "Sheri" McEachran
6 Sep 2020You caught me at a vulnerable time.
I was coping by participating in an on-line Kundalini yoga class. I loved the instructor (so uplifting) . But a month ago he ended up in the hospital with COVID (he saw one asymptomatic friend and that was all it took) He has just been taken off a ventilator after a month. I am grateful but I know it will take a long time for him to recover. His class was a lifeline for me.
My husband was just diagnosed with a rare heart condition. My stepdaughter and her husband have different beliefs than us (political) and he no longer wears a mask. This affects so much-including time spent with family-especially our grandson..
I used to hike for hours with my dogs. But now they have health issues!.
So I participate in an Interfaith online prayer/meditation group for our instructor, worry about my husband, miss my grandson and pet my dogs and count my blessings and feed the deer . . Out of all these -“lifeboats/lifelines” I feel like I would be sunk without Doug. I cannot imagine being strong enough-like my yoga instructor’s wife-to not be able to be in hospital with her husband.
The political climate in our country is depressing-at first I was hopeful that COVID would bring out the best in people. Surely a public health issue would not become political but it did.
My encouragement today is reading your blog.
Thank you dear friend:)
admin
6 Sep 2020I am very sorry you are having to cope with so much. When issues multiply and continue, it is hard to be resilient. I will be praying for you. You are not alone! And thank you for letting me know the blog post provided some much-needed encouragement!
Sheryl "Sheri" McEachran
6 Sep 2020Felt I needed to clarify above. My husband wears a mask.
The division in our country unfortunately also exists in our family. 💔