It's been an overwhelmingly tough year for many Americans. The many stresses of COVID-19 — fear of infection, actual infection, isolation in quarantine and social distance, job losses, and more — have undeniably taken a toll on all of us to varying degrees. In this anxious time, it's vital to check-in with family, friends, and most importantly, yourself. After months of sustained stresses, pandemic fatigue is rampant. Researchers at UCLA Health say pandemic fatigue is "a very real feeling of exhaustion stemming from the effects of the novel coronavirus on your life — from stay-at-home orders to the fear of getting ill to losing jobs." The hallmark sign of pandemic fatigue, UCLA Health says, is a sense of inner weariness. In addition to feeling helpless, sad or worried, some may eat or sleep more or less than usual, have trouble focusing (brain fog), feel edgy or nervous, snap at or argue with others, lack motivation, are unable to stop racing thoughts, or withdraw from others. To combat or fend off pandemic fatigue, UCLA Health offers seven steps to stay happy, healthy and safe, while slowing the spread of coronavirus. In the slideshow above, discover seven ways to manage stress and anxiety during the pandemic and what you can do to feel better while staying safe. READ MORE:

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