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Coronavirus took my energy

by Laura
(Vermont)

I retired 13 months ago and was doing fine, had a plan to downsize out of this home. The house is OK but the yard is killing us and we're not as into shoveling snow as we used to be. I had two fiber arts groups to attend and DAR activities. Things were going well.

Now with coronavirus abroad, I am home nearly all the time. I fool around on the tablet doing home decor, but beyond that, virtually nothing. My cholesterol is higher though my weight is down. And so's my energy and motivation.

My husband and I are both low-energy people, get along fine, and generally aren't terribly social so feel we ought to do fine with the stay-at-home protocols. We use masks I made when out. But it's hard to find things to do so it's mostly shopping at 6 AM for food or pop in at the post office for mail.

I am terrified of COVID-19 even though we've had 3 cases in our county this entire time. I don't want the guilt of killing my husband by bringing the virus home--he has multiple risk factors and mine are getting worse all the time.

Other than that, things are peachy. I don't feel depressed, but then I usually don't feel it before I crash. I'm on two medications for depression.

So my plan is to force myself to do one extra thing each day that gets me closer to my goal of downsizing. I do get up and bathe and dress each day, that's a given even when deathly depressed. I eat decently and get enough sleep. It's just the activity part I need to work on.

Comments for Coronavirus took my energy

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It's understandable...
by: Kathleen/New York

Laura,
What you're going through is completely understandable. You had a major life transition you were working through with your retirement when covid hit the country. You're now faced with two major life events you're working through that have you staying at home more than ever. The feelings are normal and well-known to me.

I retired 18 months ago and can share what I have been doing to help find my footing during this disorienting time.

The most important thing I do is I maintain a schedule by walking in the park six days a week in the morning. If you have a park nearby, I would recommend you get out into the fresh air and sun before the cooler weather sets in. Those gorgeous trees in Vermont will start changing soon so what a great time to get outside and watch the color process they go through as they change.

I also listen to books on tape while I'm walking which gives me something interesting to talk about to my husband over dinner. That makes me feel like I'm engaging my brain a little and have something interesting to contribute to our conversations. Prior to that, I found myself talking about what the sale of the day was on QVC - yikes!!

In the afternoon, I work on downsizing our house. I make runs to Goodwill or other organizations with bags of clothes, books etc. So afternoons are spent on projects, cleaning, gardening, and taking courses on Coursera for free.

I have had to accept that my new level of productivity is a lot lower than it was when I worked, raised a family and ran a house but that's OK - this new level of lower productivity is less stressful and more healthy for me. So, if you accomplish one new thing like you said, bravo - that's perfect.

As far as covid, it is frightening for sure and your feelings are also understandable. My husband and sister are doctors on the front-line of fighting covid 19 and are adamant that the best way to protect yourself, and others, from getting sick is to wear a mask anytime you are outside your home bubble!! Since covid is a respiratory illness and there is no one at the park to spread it to others, I don't wear a mask there. However, any time I'm around others outside my home, I wear a mask and socially distance. This gives me the confidence that I'm doing all I can to protect myself and others.

Laura, while you state that coronavirus has taken your energy, take comfort in the fact that it has zapped us all to differing degrees. Your challenge, however, was exacerbated by having to adjust to retirement at the same time. Not an easy thing to do but I hope the above information gave you some ideas that have helped me as I go through the same process.

I'm thinking of you, my friend!!
things to learn
by: diane, british columbis canada

One of the things that I have taken up since retirement is quilting. Its fun and can certainly fill your time. You also get a sense of accomplishment and feel that you can leave a bit of yourself in this world.

If you do not have family to give these quilts to you can donate to local hospice or homeless shelters.

It does get a bit expensive but so fun.

Note: before I started I did not know how to sew or even thread a sewing machine...but it is mainly straight lines...
Raise your immunity
by: Elizabeth/Spokane

Hello, this is a reply and is a response to anyone worried about Coronavirus. People most at risk are the elderly with chronic health problems.

I am well, and I am grateful. I take daily mega doses of Vitamin C, zinc occasionally, daily magnesium and extra Vitamin D.

I go out into the sunny day for at least 15 minutes (people of color need to increase that by 5 to 10 minutes more) on a daily basis. During shorter days in fall and winter, I increase my Vit. D3 supplement to 10,000 mg. Most people are deficient in D and magnesium.

I listen to doctors who tell the real truth about the virus. I don't listen to the regular TV media etc. because they just keep spreading lies and making people fearful.

I hate wearing a mask and have been only wearing into a store and even then, I am pulling it down so I can breathe oxygen. I believe masks do not help.

So, I say build up your immunity, release fear and anxiety, and keep doing and thinking positives things.

I believe in the Constitution and our Bill of Rights, and they are being eroded. Why?

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