Although we spend a lot of time indoors during these days, we feel tired, both physically and psychologically, however, this is perfectly normal. We must be aware that another effect of today’s social isolation is the exhausted mind.
Is it safe to take to the streets?What happens after the detention is over?What will happen to my work in the next few days?Will I be able to see my family?
These and other doubts accompany us almost constantly during the day, accompanied by anguish and uncertainty.
When the mind is in this state, any kind of decision, no matter how insignificant, becomes exhausting, sometimes, even simple things like deciding what to eat, or forcing our children to lie down or do their homework, become challenges, mountains that cost us. mountaineering.
It is important to note that all these experiences and sensations are within the normal range, we do not collapse, we do not suffer mental health problems, it is a normal and expected response to isolation and a common brain reaction in these conditions. .
Experts say it’s not appropriate to talk about social isolation. We are social beings, we live in societies throughout our existence and, therefore, it is impossible to “this scenario”.
Even if we are inside our houses, we are still part of this structure, this essence of cities, towns or large cities.
We need to talk about physical isolation, because that is what the current health crisis caused by the new coronavirus really imposes on us, whatever the exact definition of this type of isolation, there is an undeniable fact: confinement is not for humans. As a result, our brain reacts to this unexpected situation in different ways.
When we talk about cognitive processes we mean all the activity that the brain generates, an example of this is being able to focus attention, understand everything we hear, read or see, make decisions, process the sensations that our body feels, learn and create. new things, etc.
In this state of containment, any cognitive process becomes very difficult, for example, remembering a new phone number becomes a challenge.
When the mind is exhausted, it is not in a good position to think long term, this is particularly evident when making decisions, which is so important to us today. We need to plan our future, clarify the types of changes or strategies we need to implement.
The pandemic has changed the lives of many of us, both personally and professionally, it is at work that the greatest challenges often arise, however, in these conditions, our mind feels unable to decide, plan, analyze, etc.
In addition, there are people who even have difficulty understanding legal documents on aid, dismissals, deferments, etc. With a depleted mind, we can decide if we want to take a nap or a cup of coffee, but we can’t do well. long-term decisions.
The current situation has put us in a new territory, there are no valid answers that serve everyone in the same way, there are simple strategies that we can try to see if they work for us.
Everyone faces, interprets and lives today’s pandemic differently, but in addition to the experience we all have in the face of adversity, there is one thing undeniable: these circumstances are difficult for all.
Therefore, when we deal with the depleted mind, we can think of the following ideas:
So let’s go step by step. If breakfast focuses on a relaxed diet, if I work from home, I focus on work, in case I have to decide something, I will decide at a specific time of day when I can dedicate myself exclusively to it.
Last but not least, it is necessary to give space to our emotions, accept every feeling, feeling and emotion without judging you is fundamental to health, we will not be 100% every day, sometimes not 50%, but we can take things easy to calm our minds.