I don’t think I’m alone in this, but I’ve really spent the last few weeks just feeling completely burnt out and overwhelmed. I think that I often feel overwhelmed this time of year, but this year definitely feels like a whole other level of it.

The weather and the cold and the darkness are certainly one part of it – I really, really miss being able to spend a significant amount of time outside. Even though I’m not living in a tiny space, that cooped up feeling is still hitting. And then, of course, there’s everything going on in the world politically, which just feels like a load of ever-present stress and dread that weighs on me. Then adding in the pandemic – while I am hopeful with the news of people getting vaccinations, I’m still counting the days and worrying until I’m able to get mine. Basically, everything right now just feels like a lot.

I actually had quite a long stretch off from work in December through early January, but even that didn’t really feel relaxing or refreshing. I was talking to my friends about it, and I think it’s the sameness of it all – even time off doesn’t mean I’m going anywhere or doing anything radically different. I’ve coped (surprisingly) well since March, but I think I’m starting to hit my breaking point where I just want to feel like I’m not stuck anymore – stuck at home, in the same routine, with more or less the same worries and concerns for over nine months now. I’m finding it really hard to feel motivated when it feels like everything is stuck and there’s no push to do anything!

Some days, I can trick myself out of it – putting on a cute but comfy sweater, blow drying my hair, putting on minimal makeup can help make things feel a little bit more “normal.” But not surprisingly, that doesn’t always work. Some days, I just have to power through. I make lists, and prioritize, and just try to fake it until I make it as much as I can.

I guess all of this is just a reminder for all of you as much as it is for me that it’s okay to be feeling burnt out and without motivation. There’s so much going on right now – we can’t be expected to live life like everything is normal. We will get through this time, but it’s okay to not feel okay all the time.

Is anyone else feeling burnt out too? Let me know – and share how you’re coping.