How to Get Ahead of the Lockdown Blues

by Judy Klipin

Right now, many of us are baffled by what and how we are feeling. We fear that we are back in burnout even though we have worked so hard to get over it.

We may be feeling irritable and more emotional than usual. Our relationships may become more fraught and conflictual, and we may be finding it extra hard to stay connected to the people we are not living with. We might be feeling lethargic and lacking in energy and motivation, losing interest in things that used to excite us. We may find ourselves sleeping more than usual but feeling unrefreshed by all the rest we are getting. And, of course, we may find ourselves reaching for the chocolate, carbs, caffeine and alcohol.

It looks a lot like burnout, but we are more likely to be experiencing what I call the Lockdown Blues.

The good news is that much of what I recommend people do to address burnout is equally effective if used to manage the Lockdown Blues.

Here are a few ideas to help you:

Give yourself a break; literally and figuratively. Now is not the time to beat yourself up about not being productive enough or fit enough or happy enough or strong enough – or for not making gourmet meals. Set yourself realistic goals and allow yourself to take a break in between completing tasks.

Reconnect. With yourself, with people and with activities that are important to and meaningful for you. Catch up with old friends virtually, take up old hobbies, remember what makes you happy.

Ask for help. Big or small, a trouble shared is a trouble halved. From doing the dishes to feeling emotionally overwhelmed and desperate; ask for help with whatever you are struggling with.

Slow down. It isn’t often that we are ordered to stay home and stop doing our usual tasks. As awful, frustrating and worrying as not going to work is, it is creating the space to slow down and do things more mindfully and purposefully.

Sunshine and fresh air. Even if you are working from home, not being hunched over your computer in an artificially lit and air-conditioned office can only be a welcome change. The health benefits of fresh air and sunshine are well described, so go out there and breathe them in as often as possible. And if it isn’t possible to go outside then at least open your window and take in some good, deep breaths of fresh air.

If you are able to do these things, you will be achieving for yourself the equivalent benefit of going outside and walking barefoot on the grass.

Feeling overwhelmed in your life, work or relationships?

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