Personally, this is something I have to keep a close eye on due to already suffering from depression and anxiety (which oftentimes can present very similarly). My usual go-to to combat compassion fatigue was a mix of going to the gym, yoga classes, massages, taking myself to a movie, or exploring interesting places alone, along with many other hobbies. As you can imagine, many of those options were taken away or greatly diminished once the pandemic started and everything closed down. The routine I once clung to was now completely uprooted, and my already tainted sense of “normal” became even more unrecognizable. It took a few months to completely seep in, but after a seemingly random panic attack on the way to work and a few breakdowns, it became obvious that I needed to be more adaptable in my routine of self-care.
For me, becoming
adaptable meant looking at self-care as more than just things that make
me feel good, such as bubble baths or “treating myself” to take out meals.
Sometimes self-care is finding the stressors you can control and proactively
addressing them. Figuring out what I wanted to prep and cook for dinner after a
full day at the hospital used to feel nearly impossible. Planning out a few
simple meals over the weekend along with prepping any ingredients helps take a great deal of stress out of that process during the week.
Additionally, having leftovers more often meant I had healthy lunches to bring
to work instead of getting fast food.
As
earlier mentioned, physical activity was an integral part of my emotional
release from work. Having that outlet no longer available had the biggest
impact on my mental health. I had to rethink my workout routine in order to
achieve the same results at home. This meant yoga via Youtube in the living
room instead of in a class setting (now my furry friends can join in) and
finding workout apps to help guide me. Aside from physical activity, I started
writing in a journal to help mentally process any emotions or stress I had
accrued during my workday. Last but not least, I try to do something that is
just for fun like playing an instrument or spending some time with animals.
I am still figuring out my new routine but knowing that I can be flexible and adaptable during uncertain times has really helped. Learning to slow down, journal, and listen to my body has helped me identify signs of compassion fatigue sooner. Even as life as we know it goes back to its normal speed, I will try to incorporate these new outlets I have found.
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