With the help of quick and effective vaccination rollouts, Covid-19 restrictions have lifted and we’re generally more comfortable in group settings. It seems social life has been welcomed back! However, after a long year of lockdowns, and limited social and physical activity, the return to normal has left many people feeling extreme levels of mental and physical exhaustion. There is a clear difference between our pre- and post-Covid-19 worlds, and identifying what is making us feel burnt out, can help rejuvenate our energy and mental wellbeing as we enter a post-pandemic world. Here are a few tips on how to combat the Covid-19 burnout our bodies may be feeling during this time:

1. Rest: Whilst it may seem like we’ve had enough rest this last year, Covid-19 has increased many of our anxiety levels, which has caused people to feel more uneasy about re-entering social life. Try not to overload yourself with social activities all at once – as tempting as it can be. Make sure to give yourself alone time each day to recharge your social levels.
2. Screen time: The lockdowns saw an increase in social media use, such as Instagram, Tik Tok, and Twitter. A combination of working from home and an increase in overall screen time, can also be a culprit in feeling exhausted. A general tip is to avoid any screen time 30 minutes before going to bed, which can help support a consistent sleep routine. If you find yourself using social media apps too much throughout the day, you can also set social media time restrictions on your phone, great for keeping yourself in check.
3. Avoid Sugar: If you are suffering from anxiety and exhaustion, it may be wise to avoid sugar and caffeinated beverages. Whilst you may feel that this is an effective way to reenergise throughout the day, it may be doing more harm than good. Sugar and caffeinated beverages can worsen your tiredness and anxiety levels, as caffeinated beverages can mask the issue of tiredness, and once they wear off, you may feel yourself crashing midday.
4. Stay Active: During a long year of lockdowns, many of us spent more time sitting and not getting enough exercise. Going for a daily walk, doing a quick at-home workout, or practicing yoga and meditation, can help to manage stress and anxiety. For people who have lacked exercise activity during lockdown, easing into cardiovascular exercise can be a great first step.
5. Nutritious Eating: Another aspect that has affected our health and wellbeing during Covid-19 is the lack of nutritious eating that many of us experienced. Whilst many people opted for take-away deliveries during the height of lockdowns, this unhealthy eating habit could be the cause of feeling sluggish and tired. Try taking the time to cook a well-balanced meal at home, which have higher quality and nutritious foods that our bodies need to stay healthy.