After the Rush . . . How to save your Sanity
On March 11, 2020, the NBA canceled its season. That was the beginning of an avalanche of change for all of us. Suddenly COVID-19 was thrust unceremoniously into our global vocabulary. As Church leaders, we responded – as we always do.
The initial frenzied response to the COVID-19 crisis was a call to immediate action-fueled, in large part in each of us, by an ‘adrenaline rush,’ which is the body’s vital defense mechanism intended to process immediate threats.’
The positives of ‘adrenaline-fueled’ activity are:
a temporary decrease in the body’s ability to feel pain
a temporary increase in strength
a temporary sharpening of mental focus, to think and act quickly.
Notice the word ‘temporary.’ Neither the mind nor the body is able to sustain this burst of ‘defensive energy’ long term. Yet, once engaged, it is difficult to turn off.
We are in the fourth week of coping with COVID-19. The very real health danger is what medical experts label “adrenaline fatigue, adrenaline burn-out” or “the let-down factor.”
Here are symptoms to watch for:
Difficulty getting up in the morning, even after a long sleep.
High levels of general fatigue each day.
Inability to handle additional stressful news calmly.
Craving for salt.
Higher, hard to shut down, energy levels in the evenings.
Overuse of stimulants such as sugar or caffeine.
A weakened more susceptible immune system.
Significant changes in blood pressure.
Unmanageable Anxiety.
Feeling of Despair or Depression.
Here are some steps to take:
Ensure a healthy diet, reduce sugar and caffeine intake and increase protein.
Eat foods that contain essential fatty acids like ‘fish, avocados, olive-oil, coconut-oil, and seeds.’
Hydrate – drink at least 6 glasses of water per day to flush toxins and help the body absorb nutrients.
Get some physical exercise – ‘Walking is one of the best.’
Self-imposed ‘time-outs’ for devotional, meditative and personal interest pursuits
Consider supplements like the B vitamins (particularly B12), Magnesium, and COQ10. (if in doubt check with your health provider)
Talk to someone you trust about your feelings. While we are in mandatory isolation, the lack of social interaction can exacerbate adrenaline fatigue. We are social beings and need the support of others.
Please protect your own health in the midst of caring for the wellbeing of others. Spiritual caregivers are not immune from the complications of untamed stress.
Al is an experienced pastor and counselor who works out of our ABNWT District Resource Centre in Edmonton as the Pastoral Care Coordinator. A pastor to the pastors, Al is a friend, mentor, and confidante to all.