If theres one thing that 2020 has taught us, its that pandemics are exhausting.

Dr Sumera Shahaney, head of clinical operations at Thriva who also works in the UKs NHS, has witnessed a rise in what is often referred to as pandemic fatigue.

This is usually felt as an inner weariness or worthlessness many of the things you might associate with mild depression, explains Dr Shahaney, who says she often sees this associated with feelings of hopelessness about the pandemic.

Many people have now accepted that life has changed, she adds, but we have lost resilience we have no control over the future and are unable to see an end point.

On top of that, were entering the winter months , meaning fewer daylight hours to be had (and a drop in vitamin D levels), which can make us feel tired. Were also more stressed generally, engaging in an awful lot of screen time, moving about far less, and plenty of us are having a rubbish nights sleep to boot.

And then theres our social lives, which are completely lacking. Dr Peter Mills, clinical director for Cigna Europe, points out that a variety of experience and interactions are key things that help stimulate our brain and body.

We are not meant to live like this; we are social animals, albeit some more than others, and we gain energy and inspiration from experiences and from convening with others, which we just arent getting right now, he says.

All in all, its a recipe for feeling absolutely done in. So, what can we do about it?