After changing your lifestyle last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, you might have some difficulties getting back into your “normal” routines and habits. Maybe you had the chance to work from home, but now you’ve got to head back to the office.
Or maybe you’re an introvert who appreciated some extra alone time. But with your friends and family eager to return to socializing, your schedule feels overwhelming. Perhaps you’re also nervous about contracting the virus.
As public health regulations are rolled back, you may feel apprehensive about being in public spaces.
No matter what you’re going through, these feelings are common right now. Here are a few tips to help you cope with any lingering anxiety about the world getting back to “normal.”
Don’t Rush Yourself
Remember, you don’t have to adapt to your old routines again over night. Remind yourself that it’s perfectly okay to feel a bit uncertain about the future. The anxiety you’re experiencing about this transition period is just a natural consequence of change.
Maybe you only want to see one or two close friends now to get used to socializing. Or perhaps you’d like to talk to your boss about working from home for a few days per week. Move at your own pace – you’re not on anyone else’s timeline.
Take Precautions
You may not feel ready to leave home without your mask, even if you’re going somewhere that doesn’t require you to wear one. You do not have to stop taking precautions before you’re truly ready – even if other people around you insist you should.
Instead, follow the health and safety guidelines that make the most sense in your circumstances. Your mental and physical health are both important, so take steps to care for both during this stressful time.
Change Your Media Diet
Perhaps you’ve been glued to the headlines about the pandemic for months. Staying informed is important, especially if cases are rising in your area, and you need to be aware of any possible changes to regulations on gatherings or mask usage.
However, reading up on the pandemic day after day for over a year may have taken a toll on your mental health. You may want to get into the habit of checking the latest news about COVID-19 in your area for a few minutes before you start your day, and then turning to more positive news instead.
Open Up to Friends
At first glance, it might seem like all of your friends are eager to get back to their former routines. You may even worry that they’re judging you for your anxiety. But the truth is that some of your friends probably feel just like you do.
You just won’t know it until you talk to them about it! Reach out to one of your friends and tell them how you’re feeling. Getting it off your chest might make you feel a little lighter.
Talk to a Therapist
If you’re struggling with serious anxiety on a daily basis, it may be time to consider talking to a therapist regarding anxiety treatment. For instance, if you’re unable to take care of necessary obligations because of your anxiety, professional support is probably warranted.
A therapist can help you identify the root cause of your anxiety, address negative thought patterns that developed during the pandemic, and gain coping mechanisms that will allow you to gradually return to your habits and routines.
Are you having trouble adjusting to your “normal” lifestyle after the pandemic? Working with a therapist can help. Reach out to me today to discuss your options for scheduling your first session. Contact me for a free consultation.