Feeling Anxious About Returning to Normal After COVID?

Stay at home orders are being lifted, many have beenvaccinated and by a quick glance at things there is a lot to be optimisticabout. It’s been over a year since the first lockdown and now it feels likewe’re on the home stretch to life that looks very similar to 2020 B.C. (BeforeCovid).

Although, there’s a new — not so familiar feeling that Ican’t say I had in 2020 B.C. When I think about all the normal things I didthen, like going to live sporting events, joyously traveling the world andbeing in a large crowd of more than 20, I get… anxious.

I find myself wondering about the who/what/where/why/whenand how of things shutting down again. I also wonder about the long-term impactthis pandemic may have on my well-being and those of whom I love.

If you’re feeling these feels too, it’s actually normal —based on the research I’ve come across.

“It’s normal for people to feel anxious about adapting tomore changes, including meeting in person again,” says Bethany Teachman, PhD, apsychology professor at the University of Virginia and director of its Programfor Anxiety, Cognition and Treatment Lab.

It’s good to know I’m not alone but I definitely don’t wantanxiety to be making decisions for me. So, here are a couple of tips I havefound helpful through research and implementation:

Let’s Start Slow

Transitioning back into “normal” is going to be somewhatabnormal because you are not who you were this time last year. Take small stepsin the direction you’d like to go, on your timeline.

People can build up “normalcy” slowly — assuming they’resafely following CDC guidelines. Start by meeting with one or two peopleoutdoors, then work up to meeting with a few people indoors. Do it step-by-stepso that each step adds a little bit of challenge. You don’t have to go fromzero to 100.

Self Compassion and Major Self Love

Taking time for yourself, getting active, eating well andbeing mindful is a recipe for self-care. Take time to do the things that makeyou feel more like you — now.

As you head back into the world, show yourselfself-compassion by defining the goal of your social interaction: to reconnectwith an old friend, to visit family, to hug another human you love, or totravel to feel connected to the world again. Remind yourself why you value thegoal of reconnecting and living life fully and safely again.

Teachman says, “You should go into things expecting thatthings will feel strange for a while. That’s a very natural reaction in lightof what’s been going on, and it doesn’t mean that something is wrong with youif you’re feeling some anxiety or stress at doing things you haven’t done for avery long time.”

A New Routine for a New Me

Creating a healthy routine is something we, as creatures ofhabit, love. Big changes can create a shift in our entire being. It’s always agood time to create a new, healthy routine.

Start doing things like waking up at the same time everyday, making time for Vitamin D and sunshine, or calling mom every Sunday.Routines help us feel settled, more in control, and liberated again.

If You’re Still Uncertain

Apprehension may cause alarms to go off in your mind andbody, but asking systematic questions can help.

Teachman suggests asking: “Am I assuming the worst? Is thereanother way to look at this situation?” These questions help you weigh actualevidence instead of reacting only to the feeling.

Asking for Help Is Encouraged

If you are struggling tremendously with resuming lifepost-pandemic, talk with trusted friends and family about your feelings — youmay find you share some of the same feelings. It’s also encouraged to seekprofessional help as you navigate through this transition.

Teachman notes that avoidance can make things worse overtime. The more someone says, “I’m not going to go do this,” the harder it canbecome for them to re-enter situations.

I’m looking forward to a summer of adventures in 2021… butfirst, I’ll make a goal list of why this is insanely important to me becauseanxiety isn’t choosing my adventures for me.

Helpful Resources

National Institute of Mental Health: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/find-help/

Healthline: https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health-resources#types-of-providers

Sources

·      https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7342938/

·      https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0145445517747287

·      https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/why-you-may-feel-anxious-about-a-post-pandemic-return-to-normal#when-to-seek-help

·      https://www.webmd.com/lung/news/20210428/anxiety-and-anticipation-rejoining-a-post-covid-world

Author

RAQUEL DORSEY

Author | Brand Engagement

Raquel is a long time Perspire team member and IR sauna fanatic. Her fav infrared benefit: Skin Health (hello glow!). She's an avid writer and loves all things social. She dreams of working from wifi on a warmisland with her two boys and husband.

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