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With the advent of vaccine availability across the globe, some people hoped that the return of normalcy would be upon us at last. Unfortunately, we’re halfway into 2021 and that still isn’t the case. The pandemic has left many of us feeling isolated and burnt out. Here are some simple ways to fight pandemic fatigue.

Go Outside

It seems like a no-brainer but nothing beats getting some natural vitamin D. Sunlight helps to release serotonin in your brain. Getting 5-15 minutes of sunlight on your body at least twice a week is enough to receive these benefits. Doing outdoor yoga or hiking can improve your physical health as well, weather permitting.

Call or Facetime an Old Friend

If you’re like me, you’ve probably struggled with the loss of some friendships during this pandemic. It isn’t that anything bad happened between the two of you, but life may have simply gotten in the way. When I don’t post as much on social media, people will DM me to ask if I’m doing OK. Your friends and the people you meet along your life’s journey care about you, sometimes, even more than you think that they do.

Engage in Social Forms of Self-Care

My new city has a ton of kava bars which are a great way to meet folks in the sober community. Going shopping also allows you to be around other people and strike up conversations. There’s a reason some elderly and self-employed folks go grocery shopping daily. The chance to meet new people or chat with friendly strangers makes you feel less alone in the world.

Just Try Not to Be Too Antisocial

With social distancing, masking, and seemingly endless zoom meetings being part of our current reality, it’s easy to want to curl under the blanket during our downtime. Yet, there’s still a world of opportunities out there to explore. All it takes is making the first step, no matter how small.