It’s common to feel burnt out and run down after the last 15 months.

We’ve grown accustomed to looking at the future and what we’ll do when this pandemic ends. But now that we’re almost there, how can we keep motivation and spirits high in the final hurdle.

If you find yourself less enthused about work, easily distracted, and can’t make decisions – it usually comes down to stress.

Right now, we’re being pulled from many different angles. Juggling between working from home, caring for our families, and keeping ourselves healthy is no easy task. On top of this, we have to deal with the state of the world, the constant doom scrolling, and the hard-hitting daily news.

It all gets a bit much.  But there are ways to help you cope.

1. Stop blaming yourself

While we all have our own roles and responsibilities in life, there is only so much we can do right now.

If you find you’re less productive, give yourself some slack. When this pandemic started, most people believed things would get back to normal in a handful of weeks. Now that it’s been a year, mentally, it’s taking a toll.

You’re probably dealing with a lot more than you think right now. This is why you should feel comfortable with taking a break and switching off. Whether that be booking a day of annual leave or asking for help with a task you’ve struggled with – make sure you’re being kind to yourself.

2. Accept what’s out of your control

One of the biggest causes of stress and anxiety is worrying about things we can’t control. When things feel out of control in our minds, it’s hard to stop worrying about them. This is a natural, biological response to stress – it’s our bodies trying to protect us by figuring out the best way to cope.

While it was useful back in the stone age, our fight and flight mode just means we struggle to concentrate on the facts.

Try reframing your thinking. Is this worry or concern something I can control? Why does this cause me to feel this way? Is there credible evidence behind my negative thoughts? Is there evidence against the worst happening?

You can try acknowledging negative or anxious thoughts by writing them down. It can help you view your concerns from another perspective.

3. Check-in with your body

Exercising at home is difficult. There’s no denying that. Especially for those who don’t have space to move around or are confined to their rooms. Motivation to exercise can go out the window when you are doing it alone.

But the more you move, the better you feel. And sometimes, it’s about the little things we do with our bodies throughout the day to help us feel better.

If you’re struggling to exercise, try simple things like deep stretches, and deep belly breathing. Deep breathing exercises can help bring your heart rate down and put you in a state of calm. Perfect to slow things down when you’re feeling overwhelmed.

4. Know when to get help

It’s okay to ask for professional help. If you’re stuck in thought patterns that you can’t get out of, feeling stressed and anxious for no particular reason – reach out to someone.

DCA has many different options for people worried about health issues or struggling with how they’re feeling. We have tools to help you manage all aspects of your health and wellbeing in the best way possible. You can book an appointment with one of our GPs or Advanced Clinical Practitioners (ACPs) - 34/7, 365 days a year.