Lockdown fatigue, vaccine fatigue, even compassion fatigue; there are 81 articles on the Wimmera Mail-Times website relating to COVID fatigue from the past 27 months.

Can you remember the last dinner, barbecue or random encounter with a friend that didn't mention the pandemic?

With each encounter, we meander through the merry-go-round of hot topics - vaccinations, positive cases, lockdowns, mandates and politicians - like a dog finding the best place to sit in the living room.

How many times have you walked away and honestly felt good about those conversations? Me? Never.

If we did a snap survey, we'd find the majority of people are emotionally exhausted; we are tired, anxious, irritable, unmotivated, nervous and/or depressed.

We can't beat the pandemic on our own, but what can we do to beat our emotional exhaustion?

Minimise your news intake, and where possible switch off momentarily. We love our readers, but our stories are here for you 24 hours a day.

Don't put too much pressure on yourself and allow yourself to take a break if you need it.

Stay alert with a healthy balanced diet. Dry January anyone?

Do regular exercise that you enjoy to clear your mind and boost your energy levels. I took up gardening in 2021 and I get to reap the rewards every day.

Finally, switch off from mobile devices or computers prior to going to bed. Give your brain time to relax.