It’s hard to believe we have completed almost an entire year living through a pandemic. I still remember the sweet naivety of talking with friends in March 2020 about how it would “hopefully be over soon” and crossing our fingers we would only have the kids home from school for a couple weeks. Oh, sweet naive babes. So here we are, almost a full 365 days into it, with finally a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel.

I’ve been hearing the phrase “pandemic wall” a lot, and I am right there with it. We’ve been at this for a year now, and our fight-or-flight system is completely overloaded. For the past year, we’ve been working full-time, parenting full-time, creating this void of never-ending “productive” time. We’re burnt out. Even the cycle of daily tasks like cooking or cleaning have become heavy, tedious burdens that make us feel like we’re swimming through concrete. The pandemic wall pops up at different times for people, but it will inevitably smack us all in the face. 

So how do we cope with this unavoidable crash and burn? Here are a few simple things to try that may help you through it.

For the love of Beyoncé, go outside

I know, it sounds so basic and simple, but it really does make all the difference. Even just having your lunch outside or spending an hour reading on your balcony can create a physical shift in your mental state. I don’t really care how you make it happen, but you have to get your butt outdoors. Winter was especially hard on a lot of people, so that precious fresh air is gold for the soul.

Make a point to socialize

I had a socially distant park date with a friend I haven’t seen all year, and it was healing for both of our souls. Especially if you’re a parent, or if you’re someone who lives alone, you likely haven’t seen a lot of your usual social circle this year. We all have that one friend who is always an instant mood booster every time we see them, so seek them out. Schedule an hour you can sit and chat with no interruptions. Go for a walk or park your cars in an empty lot and sit in your respective trunks. Anything that isn’t over a computer screen. Real, tangible human interaction, done safely, will do you so much good.

Plant something

I’m a big believer in the mental health benefits of gardening, but have you ever grown something from where dirt used to be? It’s a powerful feeling. While it’s still too cold in many places to plant your garden outdoors, that shouldn’t stop you from starting your seedlings indoors. My 4-year-old helped me with ours, and it was such a fun project that keeps giving. All you need are some seeds, starter soil and seed trays or seedling pots. We planted a variety of vegetables and flowers in their own seedling pots and seeing those small little sprouts start to burst through the dirt has been a bright spot in this never-ending Groundhog Day.

Make a plan

Making a plan for something in the future is a win-win because it not only busies your mind and stimulates your creative energy, but it boosts your emotional wellbeing by giving you something to look forward to. Plan a trip you want to take when it’s safe to travel again. Plan a party you want to have to celebrate a big milestone. Map out that big home renovation you’ve been wanting to do. Just because it isn’t happening tomorrow doesn’t mean you can’t give yourself something to be excited about and keep yourself engaged.

Set screen-free “me time” each day

Even if it’s just a few 10-minute breaks here and there, having designated personal time is a must if you want to recharge and push past this pandemic wall. Take a walk. Take a bath. Read a book. Do things that are deliberately calming. Sitting on the couch and binging Netflix may seem relaxing, but it also can be avoidance behavior that isn’t actually restorative at all. 

Vent to someone who can help

Virtual therapy is a beautiful thing in today’s pandemic. This past year has wreaked havoc on our mental health because we’ve been locked in this holding pattern of uncertainty, fear and grief. Even if you haven’t personally lost anyone to this pandemic, you’re still grieving. Virtual therapy is an extremely beneficial and important way to make sure you’re going to make it to the other side of that pandemic wall in one piece.