When the pandemic first began, I didn't think too much of how life had changed because there were - and still are - so many overarching issues that drew my attention. All my classes transitioned into a virtual format, meeting friends and forming connections suddenly came to a halt, and the world was united in the battle against a health crisis. I was and continue to be grateful for the safe situation I was in, but I may also have been overlooking how my own life has changed.

In the past few months, I've noticed burnout on all levels. It took almost a year for our new lifestyle change to catch up to me and for me to realize that changes had to be made. And so if you're reading this and find yourself in a similar place, know that you're not alone. Pandemic burnout is real.

As I try to make adjustments, though, I notice myself wanting to see positive changes faster. When it doesn't happen, I have to remind myself that where I am now is due to compounding events; it wouldn't make sense, then, to feel better right away!

Below are a few things I've tried that have proved helpful as well as a couple that I plan to try. Hopefully, these can serve as coping mechanisms to help you find stability during uncertain times.