What is ‘lockdown fatigue’ and how can you beat it?

People are struggling. What can we do to help? (Photo: Getty)

When it was confirmed in January that the UK would introduce a third national blockade, people had already experienced it, so maybe it wasn’t that shocking.

However, the general consensus among social media users and the public is that this time around there is a dizzying battle that many of them are finding harder to fight.

This blocking fatigue manifests itself in several ways. What are the signs of block fatigue and how can you try to overcome it?

What is fatigue blocking?

Lockout fatigue refers to the feeling of continued fatigue or lethargy during this third lockout.

This feeling is shared by many, and people from all walks of life flock to social media to complain about fatigue, anxiety and exhaustion – no matter what they’ve been doing.

This feeling is similar to a trembling sensation that has a medical name: Sleep inertia.

So, just to confirm: This is the worst thing to happen since the pandemic started, isn’t it? Like it’s not just me?

– Human chalk (@meluman) February 11, 2021

This blockade is much worse…. Summer has never been my favorite, but this year I can’t wait ð.

– Lauren Green (@lozmariegreen) 7. February 2021

That blockade was ominous. My own situation is good. I am one of the lucky ones, but I have great sympathy for those whose livelihoods and mental health have been destroyed. The icy weather made the situation even worse. I pray the vaccines are working. I’m ready.

– Professor Frank McDonough (@FXMC1957) February 13, 2021

This blockage was much worse than the last time I felt less motivated when my work was more important rnk.

– Letitia (@LZH4O) 8. February 2021

According to the medical definition, the term wobbly refers to the phase between sleep and wakefulness in which a person does not feel fully awake.

Affected people feel sleepy and may have difficulty performing daily tasks.

What are the causes of clogging fatigue?

For many, there is no obvious reason. After all, if many people work at home and get out less, shouldn’t we be less tired?

That’s not the case, says Matthew Walker, professor of neuroscience and psychology at UCLA and author of Why We Sleep.

Matthew Walker, writing in The Independent, compares the way the brain wakes up to an old car engine and argues that sleep stasis occurs when sleep is still stuck in the brain.

Many of us have a hard time motivating ourselves. (Photo: Getty)

You can’t just turn it on and go really fast. It takes time to warm up.

For example, if you procrastinate at the last minute to make a call to work, your brain may struggle to catch up.

And even if you are sleeping, you may not be sleeping well due to your body’s natural reaction to stress and change.

Are you getting enough sleep? (Photo: Getty)

Fear of the Corona virus, financial worries, and the well-being of your loved ones can cause higher stress levels, which in turn leads to more disrupted sleep.

A June study by King’s College London found that after the first divorce, 50% of those surveyed said they slept less well than usual.

In the same study, two out of five people (39%) reported sleeping fewer hours per night, on average, than they did prior to incarceration.

These numbers increased significantly for those who indicated that they would definitely or very likely experience financial hardship as a result of the pandemic.

Disturbed and impaired sleep can mean we don’t get enough deep sleep – also known as REM sleep, which we should get between 1.5 and 1.8 hours a night – leaving us feeling tired even after what is considered a normal night’s sleep.

Dealing with ignition interlock fatigue

Medical experts have some tips that can help reduce constipation-related fatigue, from activation to establishing a routine.

Financial year

The Mental Health Foundation cites several medical studies and notes that physical activity can reduce anxiety in people with mild symptoms and may also be helpful in treating clinical anxiety.

Whether it’s a short walk or a yoga class on YouTube, take the time to get some exercise. (Photo: Getty)

The researchers found that participants felt more satisfied, alert and calm after physical activity than during periods of inactivity. They also found that the effect of exercise on mood was greater when mood was initially low.

It’s easier to think about exercise at home because you can go at your own pace. You can even start with something simple, like one of Joe Weeks’ most popular online exercises.

You don’t even have to do anything too intense – a little outdoor exercise, whether it’s a walk in the park or a mini workout in your garden, can make a big difference to vitamin D intake.

Research from Newcastle University has shown that vitamin D increases energy levels. A light walk in daylight can help relieve fatigue.

Make a routine – and stick to it

Even if you don’t feel like it, try to get up at the same time every morning. (Photo: Getty)

A sense of routine that starts with not going to bed and not sticking to a meal plan can help reduce stress and anxiety.

Cleaning could also help restore normality that has been lacking since the lockdown node began.

One of the steps you can take is to set up a specific workspace. Keep it away from your room or places where you rest so you can relax at the end of the day.

Restriction of caffeine consumption

It may seem like caffeine is the solution to your fatigue, but it can create a vicious cycle.

A blessing and a curse – be careful how much coffee you drink. (Photo: Getty)

The National Library of Medicine explains that caffeine works by blocking the action of adenosine, a brain chemical that makes you tired. At the same time, it triggers the release of adrenaline, the fight-or-flight hormone associated with increased energy.

At higher doses, however, these effects can be more pronounced, leading to anxiety and nervousness.

Research published in the National Library of Medicine has shown that moderate to high doses cause rapid breathing and increase stress levels when taken in one sitting.

Avoid late snacks

Eating and drinking too close to bedtime can have a sleep-inducing effect, so it’s best to avoid late dinners, Dr. Luke Pauls, deputy clinical director of Bupa Health Clinics, told Net Doctor.

Drink more water

Water. Body – and mind – are good. (Photo: Getty)

Water is great: it keeps the skin healthy, helps the body function on a daily basis, and can promote better sleep.

Going to bed, even if you’re a little dehydrated, can disrupt your sleep, says Dr. Powles.

Dehydration leads to a dry mouth and nose, which causes you to suffer from sleep-disrupting snoring and a dry throat in the morning. Make sure you drink plenty of non-caffeinated fluids regularly throughout the day.

You should aim to drink about two litres of water a day, which a third of us don’t do.

Cree

Let him out. (Photo: Getty)

There is no reward for being stoic, and in fact, there are many rewards for expressing your vulnerability with a good cry.

Whether it’s for yourself or a friend or family member, exposing some of your emotions has scientifically proven benefits.

A 2014 American study found that crying activates the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS), which helps people relax.

Tears also release stress hormones and chemicals, including oxytocin and endorphins, which help improve mood.

MORE: Boris Johnson will announce target dates for the end of the curfew.

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