How to Cope with Increasing Covid Fatigue as Winter Approaches

By Elaine Ducharme Ph.D, ABPP

We have all been dealing with the many consequences of Covid for over seven months. As winter approaches and the numbers of cases continue to rise, it seems that Covid fatigue is just getting worse.

People are frustrated, tired, angry, and sad. Very little feels like normal. Life seems all the more difficult by small, routine things such as greeting dear friends without hugs, always being super conscious of hygiene, and the uncertainty of when this will end.

These circumstances can be particularly troubling for parents who are separating or divorced. Each household may have different levels of comfort about who the child can be around, whether or not to choose home schooling or in person learning, and how to manage child care when both parents are working, even from home. If divorced couples had trouble working together before Covid, it has probably become even more difficult.

It is really important to take control where you can. So, as an individual and head of your own household, here are a few tips to help you feel better during these trying times:

1. Get outside as much as possible…bundle up and sit around a fire pit
2. Make this the year you try new outdoor activities: snow shoeing or cross country skiing
3. Eat well, get enough sleep and use meditation
4. Try to learn something new…a language, knitting, etc.
5. Reach out and help someone else: Do their marketing, read to their kids, or offer anything else that gives them a break
6. Be grateful. There actually have been many very positive things that have happened because of Covid: family time together, less stress from the office drama, shorter commutes…
7. Remember to laugh. This is so important. Even smiling allows our bodies to release dopamine, a feel good chemical.

Life may seem more complicated as the holidays approach. People are being asked to avoid big gatherings and celebrations. But just as we have seen so many people being creative about big birthdays, graduations, weddings, and other special events, I think we can find ways to make the holidays special — different, but special.

Here are a few ideas to make the holidays fun this year:

4. Everyone make the same but brand-new dish
5. Everyone make a dish and exchange it with another family member or friend. It is easy to safely leave on someone’s porch.
6. Utilize video chat:
   • Do cooking and meal preparation together
   • All join together to share a few moments of gratitude
   • Decorate your houses together
   • Read The Night Before Christmas or another favorite story
   • Light the Chanukah candles together
7. Set your daily intention to be positive and again, remember to use humor and laugh.

Many divorced or separating couples who have participated in the Collaborative Divorce process will have a divorce coach who can help them navigate through these difficult times.

And as always, if you find yourself really struggling with feeling sad or anxious, ask for help. Reach out to and talk to a psychologist…the side effects are a better life.