Covid-19 fatigue can lead to mental and physical exhaustion; here’s how to manage it effectively

"COVID-19 fatigue refers to a state of exhaustion or weariness that many people are experiencing as a result of the prolonged impact of the pandemic on various aspects of their lives. It encompasses both physical and mental fatigue that has been exacerbated by the ongoing challenges and uncertainties associated with the pandemic," Dr Jyoti Kapoor, Founder-Director and Senior Psychiatrist, Manasthali said.

By: Lifestyle Desk

New Delhi | April 26, 2023 09:10 AM IST

4 min read

The pandemic has resulted in multiple challenges such as health concerns, economic hardships, job losses, social isolation and changes in daily life. The cumulative effects of these challenges over time can take a tool on individuals' well-being, leading to COVID-19 fatigue. (Source: Freepik)

Fatigue, or a feeling of tiredness coupled with a lack of energy, is a common symptom during and after the Covid-19 infection. It can make you feel dull and tired, take away all your energy, eat away at your ability to get things done — and as such, hamper day-to-day functioning.

Adding, Dr Jyoti Kapoor, Founder-Director and Senior Psychiatrist, Manasthali said that Covid-19 fatigue refers to a state of exhaustion or weariness that many people are experiencing as a result of the prolonged impact of the pandemic on various aspects of their lives. “It encompasses both physical and mental fatigue that has been exacerbated by the ongoing challenges and uncertainties associated with the pandemic,” she told indianexpress.com.

Explaining the causes of such fatigue, Dr Kapoor said, “The pandemic has resulted in multiple challenges such as health concerns, economic hardships, job losses, social isolation, and changes in daily life. The cumulative effects of these challenges, over time, can take a toll on individuals’ well-being, leading to Covid-19 fatigue,” adding that disrupted social connections and support, a constant influx of news and information related to the pandemic, and financial uncertainty can also lead to mental exhaustion.

Echoing the same, Dr Noorie, a consultant radiologist wrote on Instagram, “Depending on the seriousness of your Covid-19 infection, it may last 2 to 3 weeks. But for some people with a severe infection, the brain fog-like fatigue and pain can linger for weeks or months. It may last even after your Covid-19 infection clears up.”

Depending on the severity, fatigue symptoms can range from:

*Chronic tiredness or sleepiness
*Headaches
*Dizziness
*Sore or achy muscles
*Slow reflexes and responses
*Poor decision-making skills
*Mood swings and irritability
*Poor hand-to-eye coordination
*Loss of appetite
*Reduced immune system function
*Blurry vision
*Short-term memory problems
*Poor concentration and inability to pay attention to surroundings or the situation at hand
*Low motivation
*Hallucinations

ALSO READ | Life beyond the pandemic: Rebuilding ourselves, inside and out

What can we do to manage COVID-19 fatigue?

Prioritising rest and pacing activities throughout the day can help conserve energy and prevent exacerbation of symptoms. (Source: Freepik)

Following are some strategies that may help in managing COVID-19 fatigue, according to Dr Kapoor:

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*Prioritising rest and pacing activities throughout the day can help conserve energy and prevent exacerbation of symptoms.
*Eating a well-balanced diet that is rich in nutrients, including vitamins and minerals, can support overall health and energy levels.
*Staying hydrated by drinking enough water throughout the day can help combat dehydration, which can worsen fatigue.
*Maintaining good sleep hygiene practices, such as establishing a regular sleep schedule, creating a conducive sleep environment, and avoiding stimulating activities before bedtime, can help improve the quality of sleep and manage fatigue.
*Seeking support from a mental health professional, such as a therapist or counselor, can help manage mood changes, anxiety and depression that may accompany COVID-19 fatigue.

Concluding, Dr Kapoor said, “If the symptoms worsen, get severe or last for an extended period of time and impact daily functioning, then one should consider seeing a doctor for COVID-19 fatigue.”

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