Lockdown has been a challenging experience for each and every person. For some, life changed dramatically, and for others very little. It may have been a lot of people’s first major experience of upheaval in their lives. The one thing we all had in common was that our coping mechanisms and routines changed drastically or, in some cases, just vanished.
Some people’s lives changed in large, fundamental ways: they may have started working from home, which might have included the loss of day to day personal connections from the office; and along with that came the inability to see and connect with family members and friends. These sorts of changes can knock us for a loop, as they tend to turn our lives upside down in ways we hadn’t expected.
Others lost very little of their routine. They could be because they were essential workers, or engage almost exclusively in solo hobbies. What lockdown may have shown them was, in fact, a slower kind of life that they didn’t fully realise they desired.
No matter which side of the fence you fell on, lockdown definitely changed our exercise habits, eating habits, and left a good portion of us sitting around and wondering how to fill up our time.
However, we made it out. Some came out better than others, having developed new coping mechanisms and routines to fill our days. With the long lockdown over comes the ability to make plans again. There are picnics to be had! For some of people, though – understandably – this sudden re-emergence into society has filled us with dread and anxiety.
You are not alone!
If you are feeling overwhelmed by the end of lockdown and life winding its way back to some level of normal, here are some tips that might help you to ease back into life and to take care of your mental health:
TIP 1: Don’t rush back into things.
You may feel urged to book in every last minute of spare time, to see family and friends at every opportunity, filling your calendar to the brim. If you do this, it can be easy to forget about yourself. Don’t ignore your own needs, and book in time for relaxation or hobbies. Taking these moments to check-in with yourself can allow you to avoid feeling burnt out, and can actually reenergize you for the events you do wish to be present for.
TIP 2: If you are still anxious over big crowds or public spaces, that’s ok!
The COVID anxiety we spent two years perfecting may not disappear immediately. Jumping back into packed gym classes or full pubs is a big step for a lot of people. Ease in slowly, and be kind to yourself!
Remember, though: avoiding public spaces altogether can reinforce your anxieties about them. If this feels too daunting, you may benefit from speaking to a professional.
TIP 3: Talk about these feelings with your friends and family.
Whilst everyone has had a different journey, we all experienced the highs and lows of lockdown. Reaching out and discussing our frustrations can alleviate the pressure and dispel the mystery around the feelings that arose due to the lockdown. Chatting about how remote working made us all feel, or new hobbies we found, or just about what we’re looking forward to, can be a connecting experience.
TIP 4: Have breaks from the news!
News stations, radio and social media all love posting up to date information regarding Coronavirus. With the constant changing situation, it can feel very overwhelming trying to stay up to date with the latest goings-on. That is why it’s important to remember to take breaks and switch off from media. While it may feel essential to stay informed, this constant stream of bad news or media hype, takes a toll on our wellbeing. Try limiting your information to an hour a day, or unfollow unreliable sources on social media.
Connecting with people is important, especially now when we’ve been isolated for so long. If you notice a friend going through something, or having a rough time, try reaching out to them and making sure they’re coping with COVID-19 and all the changes that it brings.
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