Healthy Tips for Dealing With Pandemic Burnout
Milton, MA – It was two years ago this week, on March 10, 2020, that Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker declared a State of Emergency in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. That day, fewer than 10 people per day were testing positive for the virus in the Commonwealth. One month later, more than 2,000 people would test positive each day. Since then, more than 1.6 million Massachusetts residents have contracted COVID-19, and nearly 24,000 have died.
Jennifer Kales, MS, APRN, ANP-BC, a palliative care nurse practitioner at Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital–Milton, said many people are experiencing pandemic burnout. “I recommend everyone get outside, breathe fresh air and soak in some sunlight every opportunity you can. Get enough sleep. Self-care is very important right now.”
To mark the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on Massachusetts, Kales shares these additional tips to attend to your mental hygiene as a way to shore up one’s mental resources, heal from what we’ve been through and to prepare for whatever may be ahead.
- Celebrate every moment you find. The pandemic has taught us to celebrate even the little things.
- Don't be afraid to ask for help. There is no shame in asking for help. Everyone needs help some time.
- Do your best every day. Some days will be good, others not so good. It’s the effort that counts.
- Slow down. More mishaps happen when rushing.
- Find the good in everyone and everything you see. The good is there waiting for you to give it recognition.
Kales said it is important to realize the pandemic was life-changing for everyone, some more so than others. She urges practicing patience and kindness toward others as you don’t know what they have been through these last two years.
About Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital–Milton
Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital–Milton (BID Milton) is a member of Beth Israel Lahey Health, a health care system that brings together academic medical centers and teaching hospitals, community and specialty hospitals. More than 4,700 physicians and 39,000 employees share in a mission to expand access to great care and advance the science and practice of medicine through groundbreaking research and education.
