Lately, I find myself lost in thought while gazing out the window—a behavior I usually wouldn’t engage in. Typically, I’m a go-getter, someone who thrives on a packed schedule and a long to-do list. However, these days, even the simplest tasks feel monumental. The frantic pace of life has slowed down, yet I feel busier than ever, not due to increased responsibilities, but because everything seems to take an eternity.
What was once perceived as “free time” during social distancing has transformed into a whirlwind of anxiety and confusion. I often find myself unsure of what day it is or what I should prioritize. Sure, I could assist my partner with organizing our storage area or take an online fitness class, but focusing on where to place sports equipment feels impossible, and yoga just isn’t my thing.
While some individuals are thriving—planning virtual gatherings and picking up new hobbies—I struggle to complete even half of what I used to manage by lunchtime. I feel disoriented, sluggish, and generally out of sync. And although social media showcases countless people sharing their productive quarantine routines, I can’t shake the feeling that I’m not alone in this struggle.
This phenomenon has a name: allostatic load. In simple terms, it refers to the physical toll that continuous stress takes on our bodies. Although binging on shows might not feel stressful in the traditional sense, the pandemic and its ensuing lockdown certainly contribute to an elevated stress response. As experts note, humans have an inherent need for social interaction, and isolation forces our brains into a heightened state of alertness due to perceived threats.
Dr. Emma Raines, a psychology researcher at the University of California, explained that the pandemic has led to a consistent increase in our stress hormones. “Each time we experience stress or worry, our bodies adapt physiologically,” she shared. “Over time, this accumulation of stressors can lead to significant wear and tear.”
The resulting allostatic load can manifest as that pervasive sense of fatigue and fogginess. Social isolation, coupled with the real threats to our health and financial stability, creates a perfect storm of stress for our bodies. “Being alone heightens vulnerability to danger,” Dr. Malik Harper from UCLA noted. “Your brain must remain vigilant to quickly identify any threats, as isolation compromises your sense of security.”
Moreover, the anxiety stemming from everyday activities, like grocery shopping, adds to this burden. While it may not compare to the physical exertion of running a marathon, it undeniably takes a toll on our overall well-being.
So how can we combat this brain fog and overwhelming fatigue? Psychologists suggest that recognizing and naming our emotions is crucial. As my children recently learned, it’s okay to acknowledge feelings of confusion, frustration, and exhaustion. Personally, I resonate with feelings of being lost, unmotivated, and scared.
Experts also recommend staying active, prioritizing sleep, and maintaining a balanced diet, although these can be challenging when sleep becomes elusive and cravings for comfort food arise. As Andrea Gawrylewski wisely noted, it’s essential to give ourselves grace during this time. “Embrace non-judgment, allow for extra emotions, naps, and even indulgences like ice cream. Do whatever alleviates your fears and fatigue, and repeat it as needed.”
With that in mind, I’m off to have my daily emotional release, treat myself to some cookie dough, and spend a little more time simply staring out the window.
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Summary:
The article discusses the phenomenon of allostatic load, which refers to the cumulative wear and tear on the body due to persistent stress, particularly in the context of the ongoing pandemic. It highlights the emotional challenges many individuals face, such as feelings of confusion, exhaustion, and a lack of motivation, while offering coping strategies that prioritize self-compassion and emotional understanding.