Let me wish a pleasant good evening to my readers. I hope you have had the chance for some relaxation and enjoyment during this latest coronavirus-impacted weekend.

Tonight’s post is going to be short and it is going to take more of a PSA format. Last week I suggested what to do while confined inside our houses. Tonight I want to make a suggestion on what not to do. Now I know most of you are probably hearing this on a daily basis, but let me reiterate…

For your own mental health and stability, monitor the amount of COVID-19 coverage you are consuming daily. We all know there is no shortage of it and sometimes it is tough to escape it. If we aren’t subjecting ourselves to the latest twists and turns by obsessively following our social media feeds or flipping through cable news channels on our own accord, we are probably receiving updates via text messages and emails from others. It can become very overwhelming.

It is crucial that we stay up to date on what this virus is doing and what we can do to personally slow its spread. Likewise, it is wise to watch briefings from local, state, and federal government officials. Furthermore, I don’t think it’s a bad idea to do additional research into the pandemic to better understand its intricacies and to satisfy our own curiosities.

However, I do think there is a point when we must disconnect from “Coronavirus 24/7” and concentrate on the aspects of life that still go on despite the virus. If not, we can trap ourselves in an unhealthy cycle.

Attempting to keep up with a 24/7 news cycle during these unprecedented times is near impossible but surely harmful. Not giving ourselves a break can result in COVID-19 fatigue, a condition that will transform us into paranoid, depressed individuals.

It is important to stay informed but it is also important to stay mentally healthy; a balance that we all must practice to achieve. Like the virus itself, we can both contract and spread COVID-19 fatigue. Let’s be mindful. Don’t Blink.