Are You Mentally Exhausted?

As we reflect on the last year or so of, you know, the “C” word, something that has been brought up a lot is how mentally and physically drained we’ve all become. Sending emails these days is daunting. Checking in to Zoom calls feels more like a chore. And I won’t get you started on the mounds of e-vites you’ve received to attend a helpful and impactful virtual event.

Whether we wanted to accept it or not, we knew deep down that we’d enter a space where the Internet and technology would become our central means of communication and connecting with others. What we weren’t prepared for, though, is a global pandemic. We weren’t expecting to lose loved ones, fear for our safety, and eventually lose agency over how much time we spend online for both work and leisure.

The University of Toronto provides some helpful tips on how we can work to combat online fatigue and find pockets in our day to unplug.

If you’re like me, whose entire career has been built around the digital online space AND having to be confined to the comfort of their home, try some of these methods in maintaining some sanity offline:

Manage your Own Expectations

There have been times during our workdays where people may be asking a lot more out of us than we can give at the moment. If you know this and can feel yourself deteriorating at the computer screen, stop. Take a real lunch break. Call out of work for the day if need be. If you find yourself finishing your work earlier than anticipated, allow yourself to take the rest of the day off. You know yourself better than any other human, so be sure to make space for as much personal time as possible.

Take Emotional Inventory

Listen, emotions are hard to ignore. As much as we try to pride ourselves in being emotionless and dissociation. However, our emotions actually play a critical role in how we engage with both our work and our personal lives. Sometimes when we’ve reached our breaking point, we tend to lean towards making ourselves feel bad for it. It’s okay to be tired, frustrated, and overwhelmed. Depending on what is accessible to you, try to check in with a therapist, journal, or partake in some light-hearted activities that allow you to make sense of your feelings and incorporate joy in your day-to-day.

Work in Some Time for Physical Activity

Being at home has some of us feeling stifled and unmotivated to stay active these days. Thankfully, some gyms are beginning to open up again. If the gym isn’t accessible to you, try building in a simple 5-10 minute stretch, a walk around your neighborhood, or even a dance workout a few times a week to keep yourself feeling energized and in shape.

Connect with People Who Keep You Grounded

Engaging with the digital space has its qualms, but at least we can call our friends and family instantly. Of course, we’re all human and we’re all in different phases of our own journeys. If you’re feeling down or in need of some motivation, connect with the people who fill you up. Consider connecting with friends and family you haven’t seen in a while, but have been thinking about. Virtual happy hours are cool and all, but nothing beats genuine conversations and with your loved ones.

I pray that you find the time and space to just, be. Know that your work can take a pause in order for us to have the space to nurture ourselves and reenergize.

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I am a creative multi-hyphenate with a strong passion for the arts. To check out more of my journey and the different art exhibits and events I go to in real-time, follow me on Instagram at @erparrish_

If you would like to read more of my poetry and prose, as well as see some of my visual photography all in one place follow me on Instagram at @wordsbyep_