Assalaamu alaikum, 

After a year of COVID-19 consuming our thoughts, actions, and routines, many of us are anxious to leave the struggles of 2020 behind. We are eager to resume family gatherings, return to standard work and school schedules, and make up for postponed vacations, concerts, and celebrations. Some of us may be overwhelmed by the changes we’ve had to make, especially when those originally touted as temporary have become the new normal.  

If you are feeling exhausted and worn out at this point, you are not alone. The term pandemic fatigue has been coined to describe the physical and emotional toll that the novel coronavirus has taken on us. Months of obsessively washing our hands, standing six feet apart from one another, and wearing a mask everywhere we go serve as constant reminders of the ever-present threat. It is well documented that constant stress takes a physical toll on our bodies in addition to a mental one. To say that we are all a little fatigued would be an understatement. 

One way to combat this feeling is to consider the positives. As of this writing, there are already two vaccines that are ready to be deployed. The companies that created them are gearing up for wide distribution, and other pharmaceutical organizations are still working to develop their own treatments. The measures we have taken to stay at home and limit our social interactions have saved countless lives and demonstrated the depth of empathy we possess towards our fellow human beings. Although it has been far from perfect, the way we have joined together to fight an illness we still do not fully understand is a marvel. 

That being said, you should not feel bad if you are exhausted at this point. Pray to God for comfort, and remember that with hardship comes ease. If you are struggling, turn to your religious leaders and let them know how you feel. You may even want to see a therapist or licensed counselor if you find yourself overwhelmed by your feelings. Maintaining your mental health is just as important as your physical health during these taxing times. 

Sincerely, 

Muhammad Munir Chaudry, president