Last night, I picked up an online order from Chipotle with my partner as part of our Taco Tuesday tradition that we’ve maintained throughout the pandemic. Our usual routine involves placing the order, my partner pulling up to the restaurant, and I dash inside to grab our meal. Following that, we swing by McDonald’s for a soda—because what’s Mexican food without a refreshing Diet Coke?
This little ritual has become something we both eagerly anticipate, offering us a brief escape from home. Eating in our car has morphed into our new date night. However, last night was different. There was a long line stretching out the door, and the restaurant was unable to fulfill any online orders. Customers arrived to find their cards charged but no food waiting for them. Unlike before the pandemic, ordering in person was no longer an option.
The staff handled the situation commendably, forming a line and manually jotting down orders for the kitchen as customers braved the freezing cold outside. The scene was revealing. Some customers lost their cool, while others walked away frustrated. A few shouted at the employees, but many waited patiently, embracing the “it is what it is” mindset. I’ve never understood taking out frustration on workers who are just doing their best, yet after a year of this chaos, we’re all feeling stretched thin.
It’s been 365 days of pandemic life, and the changes it brought have been monumental, with many highs and lows. Personally, I’ve grown more comfortable with stillness and staying home—something that once felt challenging. Yet, I’m increasingly worried about the impact of isolation on my teenagers and their mental well-being, so I’m always keeping a close eye on their moods.
Reader Laura M. shared, “It’s tough. I sleep too much, food delivery has become too convenient, I’ve gained weight, and it’s affected my relationship. We’ve been together for 3.5 years, but we both have aging parents to care for and want to keep them safe.” Caring for oneself and aging parents during a pandemic is draining, especially when it stretches on for a year.
Business owner Mike J. expressed his frustrations as well, saying, “It’s hard to see how tense everyone is. I’ve had to keep my stores running through all of this. It’s been tough, and I’m praying for it to end!” The truth is, despite fewer places to go, we’re all feeling completely exhausted.
Another reader, Sarah N., shared, “I feel like a bear getting ready to hibernate. I’ve gained weight, which affects my already fragile self-esteem. Anxiety and depression are ongoing battles, and my kids are tired of online school. I miss seeing my family, which used to be a weekly occurrence. It’s incredibly lonely, and while I don’t want to sound overly dramatic, I’m just being honest.”
Loneliness, anxiety, and sheer fatigue seem to be common experiences. Many of us have put on a few extra pounds, and that’s perfectly okay! We’re living through a pandemic, and it’s essential to cut ourselves some slack. Food often serves as a source of comfort, and we certainly need that.
Reader Emily K. has also been feeling the strain but has discovered a silver lining: “I’m exhausted, but I’ve realized that most things aren’t as important as I once thought. I don’t need to work as hard anymore.” She also noted that homeschooling has been a wonderful experience for her family: “We’re inspired and really enjoying it.”
A fellow reader, Max P., humorously lamented, “I regret ever teaching my kids how to talk. Now that they’re teenagers, I want to rip my ears off! Other than that, everything is fine.” Many of us can relate to that sentiment. We love our kids and appreciate this time together, but we also wish for a bit of peace since we’re all practically on top of one another.
It has been over a year since COVID-19 changed our world, and here we are. Yes, it’s challenging, but we continue to push forward. We can handle tough times, even if we’re utterly exhausted from doing so.
For more insights, check out this blog post and learn more about managing health and wellness during these times at Intracervical Insemination. For resources on pregnancy and home insemination, visit Cleveland Clinic’s excellent guide.