Languishing in Lockdown

After a few frenzied weeks of activity, with long work hours and enthusiastic online workouts, lockdown has slowly ground me down to a dull drag of inertia, where I now question the point of changing from my night-time pjs to my day-time pjs. This is not an uncommon response to the confinement of lockdown being layered onto the fearful uncertainty of a global pandemic, and is triggering a further epidemic of languishing. As many have exhausted their emotional reserves, they are now exhausted from doing everything at once or nothing much at all.
 
Many articles have been written on lockdown fatigue with some ideas to mitigate it, but given your energy levels, I will save you time and let you know which of these approaches may suit your personality better. What is it about our compulsory ensconcement that makes some more tired than others? How does being trapped in our houses in the midst of the strange movie we have woken up in, impact on different personality types?
 
The personality dimension most aligned with energy is the introverted/extraverted scale with interaction replenishing the reserves of the extraverted and time alone to be more restorative for the introverted. Obviously, we all need human contact for many reasons, but the level which extroverts need it to boost their energy levels is higher. This certainly bears out in my bubble where although we are all fed up with lockdown, I (as the only extravert) am the one who appears to have had the most dramatic shift in energy levels. There does seem to be some early research which supports this. The best advice for desperately tired extraverts is to be deliberate in finding ways to interact. Be the one that does the supermarket shopping, say hello to everyone you see on your walks, organise Zoom quiz nights and drinks, call everyone in your favourites list (or just the first 20), or cajole the introverts who live with you to play a board game or hang and chat.
 
Looking at how lockdown bears upon the differing vulnerabilities of the temperaments can give us further insight into how we can better cope with our malaise. Popularised by Dr. David Keirsey, the temperament model is a grouping with in the Myers-Briggs system aligning typical behavioural patterns with the classic historic temperaments model (sanguine, choleric, melancholic, and phlegmatic). Keirsey has labelled these groupings Artisan (SP), Guardian (SJ) Idealist (NF) and Rational (NT).
 
Typically (SP) Artisans are easy-going, practical and pragmatic. The physical confinement of lockdown is particularly tough on them, as they are the most compelled by physical movement and prone to feeling trapped when confined or restricted. Combine this with an appetite for fresh air and a distaste for rules, SPs are itching to escape. The best remedies for SPs are to get in the sunshine, ride, run or walk somewhere new, or make something creative or practical. Movement is vital. Touch is also helpful, so SPs would be wise to use their charm to talk someone in their bubble into giving them a massage. Without sensory indulgences, SPs may be prone to overeating or drinking in their attempt to soothe themselves, or may break the rules in their frustration. Without a let up, SP may become unnaturally suspicious of what is really going on.
 
(SJ) Guardians are usually steady, responsible and hardworking. They respect authority and follow the rules, liking the security of routine and order. The disruption to their normal work, income and daily routine during lockdown is a big challenge to this group. Without the end in sight, Guardians become negative and worry; about money, the future, about those they take care of and about others breaking the rules. Their normally steady progress can slow to a crawl, and their mood will darken to match. To prevent this decline, SJs are best to stick to a strict routine for exercise, work and sleep and replicate their ‘normal’ work day as closely as possible. This includes creating a business-like office at home, dressing professionally, and possibly even taking a quick walk prior to going to ‘work’ to replicate the morning commute. Momentum and progress is what energises SJs, so if they do grind to a halt, SJs find it very difficult to start up again. Breaking down tasks into manageable steps with attainable goals and clear rewards can help get them started again. Exercise with its physical benefits and ease of tracking progress (such as counting steps or press-ups) can be utilised to get them moving again. Other hands-on activities, particularly those that produce something, like baking or gardening, can also reinvigorate the SJ.
 
The (NT) Rational is strong, ingenious and independent. They are driven to improve things around them, to gain understanding and to maintain control. The practical frustrations of lockdown do not drain them as much as their awareness that they are not in control of their lives, and by the difficulty of abiding by rules that they cannot see a rational basis for. NTs will express their frustration with ongoing criticism and complaint. Focussing their problem-solving strengths to become part of the solution: to research, develop strategies, voice their solutions and initiate healthy debate, will keep their energy levels up and help to mobilise support in a positive direction. NTs do best to make a plan, make themselves heard, and make changes. Alternatively, embarking on new learning, exploring a new ideology or focusing on a design project can shake them out of lethargy. If the NT is unable to utilise their strengths to a greater purpose, their ongoing criticism may flip into an uncharacteristic emotional response, where the NT becomes self-pitying, needy and concerned about their relationships.  
 
The (NF) Idealist is passionate and enthusiastic, empathetic and driven to make a difference in people’s lives. For them it is the lack of connection, particularly if coupled with an increase in practical demands (such as juggling work, family and childcare) that drains them in lockdown. It is important that they feel they are able to continue to pursue their purpose, or they may become overwhelmed and feel a desperate need to escape disappointing reality. If the NF is not able to maintain the level of connection to their people that they need to energise them, they can gain purpose by re-examining and reaffirming the meaning in their life. Focusing on the whys of life through meditation and journaling, or making a safe retreat into books, movies or music, is likely to result in fewer regrets than an escape into alcohol or online shopping. For the Idealist to learn and practise mindfulness and relaxation techniques, such as yoga or deep-breathing exercises, will help them become grounded, reduce their tendency to become dramatic, and enable them to regain their equilibrium.

Flaming June - Sir Frederic Leighton