It’s OK to Need a Break from COVID

COVID-19 has been the hottest topic for nearly two years now. No matter where we go or who we speak to, it seems we can’t escape news or discussion of the pandemic.

It’s normal to feel overwhelmed and need a break from this heavy topic – especially as we near the holiday period and want to focus on lighter things.

We hope this advice helps if you’re feeling burnt out by COVID mania.

Put a time limit on your news consumption

While it’s important to stay informed and be aware of the latest restrictions and health directives, too much “doomscrolling” can cause unnecessary stress and fear.

Try to limit your check-ins with the media to avoid overexposure to negative news, particularly at vulnerable times of the day, such as right before you go to sleep.

Express your boundaries early

COVID is impacting us all, and it’s only natural friends, family, and colleagues will want to talk about it at some point. If you’re feeling overwhelmed and want to avoid the topic, be sure to let the people around you know.

You could tell them how you’re feeling before you see them to ensure you’re on the same page. For example: “COVID has been making me feel stressed lately. Can we please stick to lighter topics today?”

Or you could let them know you’re open to a quick COVID-related vent but would like to steer the conversation to other topics for the rest of the interaction.

Have other topics prepared

Consider the things you would like to discuss, and have some questions ready to go before you meet. This can help ensure your conversation stays on track and there are no awkward silences that tempt you to default back to COVID chat.

Some conversation-starters might include:

• What have you been watching/reading lately?
• What are you doing for Christmas?
• Do you have any New Year’s resolutions?
• Did you achieve this year’s resolutions?
• How have you been spending your weekends?

Don’t repress your feelings

While it may help your mental wellbeing to take the spotlight off COVID, avoiding or repressing negative emotions altogether can cause more harm than good down the track.

Many of us are feeling stress and anxiety around COVID-related issues. You might be nervous about the uncertainty of the future, or maybe you’re grieving cancelled plans. Whatever it is, it’s important to acknowledge and process those feelings. Talking to a counsellor can help with this.

RAQ provides confidential counselling in person, over the phone, and over video chat. You can learn more here, or call 1300 364 277 to make an appointment.

How are you really doing? We list the signs you might be struggling during COVID in this blog post.