03/13/2021
Covid burn out is real especially for parents navigating the balance of work, school, and safety. International Womans Day led me to really think about mothering, working, and the tight rope I walk daily. As we approach the one year anniversary of this Pandemic in the US, I think it is a great time to reflect. We are mentally exhausted and it is okay to a acknowledge those feelings. Many women are balancing childcare and household responsibilities mostly on their own. This led women to leave the workforce at four times the rate of men over the course of the pandemic. When the pandemic began, it felt like a bad sci-fi film or novel. It still feels that way at times as I sit in shock at what the past year has been. It often feels like there is no light at the end of the tunnel and a great deal of uncertainty looms. So what can you do? Well take control of what you can including a healthy diet and maybe limiting alcohol and sweets. Improve your bedtime routine including laying off the social media before bed and stopping what I call the “panic scrolling” at least 30 minutes before bed. Create boundaries between work and home life and stick with them. Schedule “me time” daily and talk to your partner or other supports about how you can make this happen. This can be taking a walk, meditation, finding a new hobby, or watching a favorite television program. You can start with several short 10 minute breaks until you can find the pattern that works for you. Lastly, make sure you are physical distancing but not socially isolated. Leaning on friends and hearing you are not alone is sometimes the best medicine. Just remember there is always support available if stress becomes unbearable or too much to handle on your own. Reach out to a mental
health professional for support in person or via teletherapy. I believe there is a light at the end of the tunnel but the length of that tunnel is still unknown.
