The past year has been a year of isolation and solitude for many. A year of missed family gatherings, social activities and simply the ability to freely go out and do whatever one wants to, whether that be keeping up with fitness, travelling or just being able to go the local high street.
Whilst Lockdown has been a year of appreciation for what we have in our life and provided insight into what is truly important to us (see previous post), it has now supposedly become a new “normal” we have been living with for an extensive period of time.
It is therefore understandable and well-founded for there to be a sense of apprehensiveness and nervousness around the so called ‘Freedom’ day that has been set on the 19th July 2021…
A day so many of us have longed for throughout the many lockdowns we had last year…however now it is here, we aren’t quite so sure how best to transition back to this former life.
Well, do not worry as you’re in the right place…!
It is completely normal and OK to be feeling this way.
Below, I’ve noted a few helpful things that can help ease us into the new “normal”.
Ways to look after yourself as you ease yourself back into the social circle.
Be Kind to yourself and others
It’s important to acknowledge that it is okay to anxious about the new normal. Everyone is different and so your readiness to venture out can be completely different to someone’s else’s. It’s important to accept that there is nothing wrong wtih this at all. Therefore, learning to say no to things that you don’t feel comfortable to do just yet is one way of easing yourself into getting out there, as you hold the control of when you go out. It’s on no-one’s elses watch but yours.
Take your Time
There is no need to rush and be social, just because we now can be. It’s up to you when you want to be and how often you want to do it. Therefore, take your time and plan things that you are comfortable to do. It might be simply heading to a local cafe over the road and sitting in over a coffee outside. It doesn’t have to be a place that holds high social interactin such as a bar or a club. Take your own pace with it. It can be as gradual as you want it to be.
Take the necessary Safety Precautions.
Be wary of the safety precuations set out and ensure adherence of government guidelines. e.g. Facemasks on the tube/trains, Washing hands often. As these changes often, keeping on top of these will help you feel more in control of the situation.
Converse with others.
Sharing your concerns with going back outside is one of the best ways to lighten the load on yourself. It allows you to voice your worries in a safe space with your loved ones and let’s them know how you are feeling. No one is a mindreader and therefore by having the conversation, it can help others understand your point of view and enable them to support you.
For any other tips you have, please feel free to share them in the comments below. 🙂
Ria x
Live The Thoughts 