After more than four years of living through the upheaval caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and relentless pressures to 'catch up,' many feel completely worn out. Psychologist Naomi Holdt explores why this deep exhaustion is so widespread and why recognizing it can guide us toward kindness and recovery.
- Ongoing stress from the pandemic years has deeply drained people’s emotional reserves.
- Many have pushed themselves to resume busy lives before fully recovering.
- Recognizing exhaustion can foster compassion and the needed space for healing.
What happened
We are now more than four years beyond the initial impact of COVID-19, a time that brought enormous challenges for individuals and communities worldwide. After the intense trauma, grief, and disorientation of the pandemic’s early years, many have tried to quickly return to a busy 'normal'—juggling work, school, relationships, and other responsibilities with increased pressure to catch up for lost time.
This relentless pace, however, ignored the deep psychological and emotional toll sustained over the past years. Psychologist Naomi Holdt describes this collective effort as running on 'aged adrenaline fumes' from previous hardships, leaving people feeling completely worn out. The relentless rush to move forward without taking time to heal has led to widespread exhaustion and emotional fragility.
Why it feels good
Recognizing why you are so tired offers important validation. Rather than blaming yourself for feeling drained or pushing harder to keep up, understanding the context of this exhaustion encourages self-compassion. Knowing that these feelings are a normal response to extraordinary circumstances can lighten the burden of guilt or frustration.
When we acknowledge that nearly everyone is carrying some form of invisible emotional weight and vulnerability right now, it fosters a sense of shared humanity. This awareness opens the door to treating ourselves and others with more patience, gentleness, and kindness—the emotional support many need but may be lacking in the rush of daily life.
What to enjoy or watch next
During times of ongoing stress and uncertainty, carving out moments of calm and quiet can be a powerful form of self-care. Seek out simple pleasures like a peaceful walk in nature, calming music, or a favorite comforting book or show to help soothe the mind and body. These small pauses act as essential brakes in a fast-moving world.
Consider embracing mindful activities, gentle social connections, and reminders to slow down. Look for stories and programs that emphasize resilience, kindness, and healing, as they can serve as inspiration and comfort. Remember, it's okay to go gently and give yourself the time you need to recover while continuing to move forward.