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#7: Create new traditions

As the pandemic has interfered with much of our daily lives, some routine hobbies and activities may no longer be accessible or are limited. After many months of this, being deprived of life's simple pleasures takes a toll.
Instead, find new joys in a new hobby or project, and create new traditions. Use this freed-up time to take up a new skill or create a new routine and find something new to bring you joy.
(Photo: Alexander Raths/Shutterstock)
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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Danielle Ling

Danielle Ling is an experienced video journalist and business reporter. As associate editor, Danielle manages all multimedia and reports on industry news and risk-related coverage, managing all weather-related content. A University of Maryland and Philip Merrill College of Journalism alum, Danielle previously served as a video journalist for Verizon FiOS 1 News NJ, Push Pause. Connect with Danielle on LinkedIn or email her at [email protected].