We're all fatigued right now from living with the pandemic's impact on our daily lives and adjusting to our new normal (whatever that is). We're tired of being stuck at home, endless zoom calls, helping our kids get organized and assist with remote learning, as well as having to juggle all of that with our jobs. It can feel all too much at times.
Being fatigued is natural in light of all we're dealing with right now, but it's essential to keep it in perspective. Your brain is fatigued, your eyes are fatigued staring at a screen all day, and your brain and body are fatigued.
Understand that fatigue can also be a byproduct of not getting enough rest, not eating the right food types, or other factors associated with illness. It can be a symptom of different types of diseases, stress-induced, or even COVID. If you have extreme fatigue, discuss it with your health care provider to diagnose any more severe health issues.
The Travel Bug Is Real
The itch to travel can be real, and sometimes you just need to scratch it. From traveling and exploring your city, socially distanced and masked, of course, to go for a hike or walk in other open places, getting out and about is crucial for our overall physical health and mental wellbeing.
Travel in the "new normal" doesn't need to be elaborate trips to exotic places, exploring secret remote hideaways. It can merely be exploring your home town, being a tourist at home. You can make scavenger hunts with your kids to find some location or other item in your city, explore places you rarely visit, or pick a random spot on the map and go explore around for part of the day.
The key is to get some exercise outside and some vitamin D to bolster your immune system. In fact, exercise can reduce fatigue by upwards of 65% in some cases.
It's been reported that even moderate exercise can increase mood, strengthen the immune system, increase libido, enhance self-esteem, and improve sleep quality.
Effects Of Fatigue On Our Bodies
Often fatigue is due to an outside factor such as fighting off a virus or an imbalance in your hormones, so getting a good read on your hormones is vital to your wellbeing. A simple at-home hormone blood test for women can help give you some peace of mind, and in some cases, following up with a doctor is advisable. It can also be a byproduct of our sedentary lifestyles, so moderate exercise is an excellent way to improve our health while discovering new, exciting areas in our neighborhoods and towns.
Getting out of the house and moving around is the first step. And while we'd all love to go on a wine-tasting trip to Napa, or go for a spa day in Cabo San Lucas, right now, it's simply too risky. Even though great getaways are difficult right now, that will change in time. In the meantime, getting exercise around your town and city is a great way to itch the travel bug, and you can discover a whole new city around you by stepping out the door and moving about your city.
Travel Safely
Even if you feel that you need to take a more traditional vacation or trip, there are a few things to know before you go. Plan your trip by researching the location and whether they offer detailed lists of their COVID protocols, ask about their cleaning procedures and occupancy limitations, as well as what the local and state guidelines are for those locations you plan to visit.
And above all else, use safe practices such as washing your hands, wearing a mask, and keep physically distant from others. Be respectful in your interactions with others and be responsible as you travel on any trip you make. The key is to get out and get moving for your physical and mental wellbeing. Just be safe in doing so.
We'll all be able to get out and resume our everyday lives soon. In the meantime, looking at opportunities to wander and explore around your city can be a great way to itch that travel bug and have some great adventures.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
