Getting back to “normal”
The yoyo lockdowns we experienced due to Covid19 were tough for everyone, in particular those of us living through the pandemic in Melbourne, which holds the title for the city with the longest lockdown in the world! Constantly having to adapt to different restrictions, having the disappointment of cancelling holidays, birthdays, changing plans or being told you can’t go to the gym is extremely challenging both mentally and physically. So many people are reporting feeling tired and exhausted throughout the pandemic. Now we are out and the virus seems to be running rampant, it’s hard to know how to feel and when things may start to feel “normal” again. Here are a few tips and tricks to alleviate some of the stress and anxiety that comes with restrictions lifting and adapting to new and evolving changes.
1. Ease back into it
- It is a lot for our mind and body to adapt to the restrictions lifting (again). No one said you have to be out every night or seeing people all the time. Ease yourself back into it!!
2. Build up tolerance
- If you’re feeling particularly nervous and anxious about being out and about again, build up your tolerance slowly. Stick to your routine but add in challenges throughout the day. Start of with challenges that you’ll enjoy and build yourself up to more anxiety provoking challenges. Don’t beat yourself up if things haven’t gone to plan.
3. Set Boundaries
- You don’t need to say yes to every plan or be constantly on the go. Yes, restrictions have lifted but you need to make sure you’re still leaving time to rest and recharge. Saying “No” to people isn’t a bad thing. If you set some boundaries about how often you want to be out and about over the week it’ll be easier to say no. Make time in your schedule for yourself.
4. Practice Mindfulness
- It is completely normal to feel more anxious socialising or getting back to ‘normal’. These are strange times and are far from the ‘normal’ that we all knew. It is important to recognise when you need to pause and take a break, or to practice some mindfulness. Check out some of our other blog posts on grounding strategies to use while in these stressful situations or to calm yourself down when feeling heightened.
5. Don’t be afraid to speak to a professional
- We have all been through a lot. Sometimes it helps to talk about it with friends or family, and sometimes it’s beneficial to chat to someone outside of your social circle who can give you some extra tools and support during these rough times. If you would like to book in for some extra support, feel free to contact us on 8838-8687 or book an appointment online and come in to see one of our friendly Psychologists. You can also find a lit of free and crisis services here. Don’t be embarrassed to reach out and chat about how you feel, you are most certainly not alone.