Tired and anxious adapting to life after lockdown

[Banksy92]

Not sure if anyone else feels like this, but this week I realised I was really run down. My anxiety has been bubbling away in the background during the week but I've been so busy with social events, a new job and catch up appointments now I've come out of lockdown that I haven't really had time to address it. Now it's Sunday I finally have a moment to breathe and I feel awful. I'm exhausted physically and mentally, my thought patterns are more negative/snappy, and my stomach is bloated and sore (stress levels are a big trigger for my IBS).

I've also gained a bit of weight in lockdown/over the past year or so and so lots of my clothes aren't fitting and it's getting me down.

I was tempted today to just go shopping and get myself some new stuff that's comfortable and fits (which I do need to do) but as I was so tired, I took a moment to tune in and see if that was the best for me. I decided against the shopping spree and instead opted for some self-care at home.

I did some journaling to get the anxious thoughts out of my head and practice some self compassion - this is something I've been working on with my psych. I also attempted a guided meditation but I fell asleep, hah. I've booked a few yoga classes this week ahead too.

Anyway, I just really wanted to share how I've been feeling to see if anyone else can relate to this post-lockdown fatigue? I'm really grateful to be able to get out and about, so I am trying to take full advantage of it when I'm invited places, but I think it's been a big shock to my system.

[sbella02]

Hey Banksy92,

I totally get you. We haven't really have that big of a lockdown here since last year but the whole Covid situation in general has depleted my patience/tolerance a lot. I also journal, pretty much daily, and I have a few hobbies that I like to engage in whenever I'm feeling particularly low. Even listening to music helps me during these times too, or even exercise (gym or going for a walk).

I've also gained a bit more weight over the past few months, and I know a lot of other people have too. That's normal. Especially in lockdown, we have no choice but to be sedentary for so much of the day that it's almost inevitable. So nothing to be concerned about, people's bodies change over time.

Meditation and yoga are great! Relaxing videos on YouTube tend to help me a lot too (ASMR, calming music, etc.) so you could always give them a try if you're ever feeling overwhelmed or worked up.

I definitely relate to the post-lockdown fatigue. Self-care is always a fantastic way to boost your energy and leave you feeling better, so anything you can do to have a bit of time to yourself would work. It'll take some time to adjust to a more active and outgoing lifestyle post-lockdown, so take it easy on yourself!

Hope this is somewhat helpful! I hope you find yourself feeling better soon.

Take care, SB

[geoff]

Hello Banksy, these lockdowns have been a new occurrence that none of us ever expected and it's going to affect how each of us feels, and everyone has had a different reaction all of which are respected and once we slowly start to get our freedom back it can certainly change how we are able to do things and changes our thoughts entirely.

If you have done some type of mediation and then fallen asleep, that's good because you're relaxed and extending this to yoga is another way for you to cope with the new rules.

Being invited out, well who actually knows the rules and whether you're 1.5 metres away from the next person, can you kiss someone, shake their hand or why can we walk next to someone in the supermarket within touching range, I think all of this inaccuracy just confuses us, even though I've had the 2 jabs.

Find some comfort you're not alone.

Geoff.

[quirkywords]

Banksy

Thanks fir sharing your feelings.
I am glad journaling is working for you.

There is a thread in the social zone section called mixed emotions , started by bb, exploring our emotions after lockdown. I thought you may want to have a look there.

This thread is good because others will not feel so alone.

For me the fatigue is post 2020 ,2021 and includes fires, natural disasters, covid, lockdown etc. I feel so tired but I think it may also me getting older.

I think self compassion is so helpful.

[GMarenghi]

Hi Banksy,

I think that juggling a new job, social events and catching up with appointments would be hectic even before lockdowns! It's really cool that you're writing down your thoughts. I think that it can really help to process the inner monologues we have daily.

Please be kind to yourself. It's good that you're practicing healthy actions. Wishing you all the best!

[Banksy92]

Thanks everyone for taking the time to read and respond. It's really comforting to know I'm not alone in this.

I guess just such strange times to be living in, there isn't much of a reference to go off, other than others going through it at the same time as you.

I'm feeling a little better today, as I've scaled back my commitments for the week and prioritizing my self care instead. It's amazing what a good long sleep can achieve too, I will say.

In the coming weeks I want to enjoy more yoga, walking and healthy foods during my 'work week' then be more relaxed on weekends as I socialize. I also want to build back in more meditation, maybe a few times a week. I think setting small, attainable goals is key, otherwise I obsess and stress myself out or I quit too easy.