Compassion Fatigue and How To Ease the Symptoms

Although stress and burnout might not be a new thing for many of us—especially those of us who work, run a household, and care for children all at the same time—the last two years of the pandemic have perhaps emphasized this feeling to a whole new level.

According to Motherly’s 2020 State of the Motherhood survey, 74% of mothers are feeling mental burnout more than ever since the pandemic, and a recent poll reports that Americans are the unhappiest they’ve been in 50 years.

The last two years have been especially hard-hitting for working parents, single moms, and communities of color, and the feeling of fatigue is only increasing. While society is slowly beginning to reopen and we’re discovering new methods of functioning norms, a whole new set of challenges arise. What’s safe? How do I do this all by myself? Is everyone feeling okay? 

Multi-tasking and abruptly switching between tasks like working from home, caring for your children, and managing household duties can drain precious energy and mental resources, leaving you feeling exhausted and not up for much of anything, much less self-care.

[Related: How Stress Affects Your Health]

What is Compassion Fatigue?

Compassion fatigue is a phrase that’s unfortunately become more and more popular over the last two years. This term, more typically associated with healthcare professionals, has now found its way into the everyday individual’s vocabulary.

Since many of us are staying home and caring for children and other family members, we are constantly thinking of others and holding space for their emotions without taking the time to tend to our own.

Ways to Ease Compassion Fatigue

This paired with the constant barrage of upsetting news on our televisions, radios, and phones can make us emotionally exhausted. Can we possibly care too much? Maybe not, but it sure feels like it takes a large physical and mental toll these days. Here are a few ways to ease compassion fatigue.

Make Time to Rest

Take small breaks between tasks. Experts say that 15 minute breaks between activities can help to reduce stress and increase your productivity. 

[Related: Our Advice for Getting Started With Your Personal Assistant]

Delegate Tasks

As we continue to navigate through this world, knowing how to delegate tasks becomes increasingly important. Don’t be afraid to enlist the help of friends, family, or even personal assistant services to help with your day-to-day. Remember, asking for help is okay, and not a sign of weakness, but a sign of taking control of your well-being.

Find Community

Instead of keeping your stress all bottled up, find a community to engage with. The internet makes it easier than ever to find groups of people with similar backgrounds, hobbies, or careers. Finding a community and relating with each other over shared issues can help relieve pressure and alleviate symptoms of compassion fatigue.

Set Boundaries

When you’re feeling overwhelmed or helpless by the struggles of everyone around you, you need to make sure you’re also looking after yourself. Set aside time each day to process your emotions, whether through journaling, meditation, or a nice walk. Lean on your friends and family for support, limit your time on social media, and practice self-care. 

If you’re working remotely it can be difficult to separate your work life from your personal life, so you need to firmly enforce set working hours (as much as you can) and a space for work that is separate from your bedroom.

[Related: Five Things to Do With the Time Your Personal Assistant Saves You]

Contact Pepper’s Personal Assistants Today

Contact Pepper’s Personal Assistants today and let us take some stuff off of your plate. Things can get to be too much, especially during this busy holiday season. Pepper’s can assist with running errands, paying bills, buying groceries, meal-planning, and more, so that you can take a breath and focus on you.
Featured image via Pexels