I love this question and definitely want to hear other people’s answers, as this struggle feels very real (and beautifully described above!). I think I approach this with some mix of 1) resting, 2) recharging. And there’s like a Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, as there are so many layers of fatigue, like you mentioned. Sometimes I just need real, immediate, physical rest like a power nap or even better, an earlier bedtime. If that need is basically met, and the emotional fatigue feels stronger, I might take a break from news/ social media or ask for my partner to take our kid to the park alone on a weekend morning so I can chill at home (and NOT use that time to do chores). Then if taking a break doesn’t feel like an urgent need, I can move up the hierarchy to do things that actually “fill my cup” (pardon the cringe phrase lol). So for example hanging out with friends, seeing live music, making jewelry, doing yoga, channeling my angst into volunteering for a cause I care about, etc etc. Those feel like an extremely rare luxury these days… but therefore feel even more special when they do happen. And whatever kind of fatigue I’m feeling, I try to accept that it’s ok to feel tired, expected even. Given all the things you mentioned, it would actually be weird if we didn’t feel exhausted? The acceptance and self-compassion pieces are often the hardest parts for me… and of course, some of the most important. So, sadly, no easy tips and tricks over here, but I’m in that swamp with you, and here for trying to make our way through it!
Thank you for beautifully and honestly articulating what we are all feeling. Yes. Yes. Yes. I wish to provide a clever antidote to fatigue and I’m coming up short! So many lattes.
I like the infographic. The concept of Informed optimism feels like a high bar for me to clear right now, but it’s good for me to have something to aspire to lol.
I love this question and definitely want to hear other people’s answers, as this struggle feels very real (and beautifully described above!). I think I approach this with some mix of 1) resting, 2) recharging. And there’s like a Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, as there are so many layers of fatigue, like you mentioned. Sometimes I just need real, immediate, physical rest like a power nap or even better, an earlier bedtime. If that need is basically met, and the emotional fatigue feels stronger, I might take a break from news/ social media or ask for my partner to take our kid to the park alone on a weekend morning so I can chill at home (and NOT use that time to do chores). Then if taking a break doesn’t feel like an urgent need, I can move up the hierarchy to do things that actually “fill my cup” (pardon the cringe phrase lol). So for example hanging out with friends, seeing live music, making jewelry, doing yoga, channeling my angst into volunteering for a cause I care about, etc etc. Those feel like an extremely rare luxury these days… but therefore feel even more special when they do happen. And whatever kind of fatigue I’m feeling, I try to accept that it’s ok to feel tired, expected even. Given all the things you mentioned, it would actually be weird if we didn’t feel exhausted? The acceptance and self-compassion pieces are often the hardest parts for me… and of course, some of the most important. So, sadly, no easy tips and tricks over here, but I’m in that swamp with you, and here for trying to make our way through it!
Thank you for beautifully and honestly articulating what we are all feeling. Yes. Yes. Yes. I wish to provide a clever antidote to fatigue and I’m coming up short! So many lattes.
I like the infographic. The concept of Informed optimism feels like a high bar for me to clear right now, but it’s good for me to have something to aspire to lol.