Why getting back to normal is HARD!

Most people are pretty excited to get back out into the world; to see friends, go out for dinner, the movies and just not having to wear a mask all the time!

But this excitement doesn’t mean that we don’t have a sense of apprehension and anxiety about our re-entry into the new normal!

If you think about it, we haven’t been out and about, being really social and engaging in our ‘normal’ activities, or just being around lots of people, in about 400 years (not actual numbers, just how it’s felt for many!). This means that we are out of practice. And yes, social skills are something that we learn, and need to practice.

So what can we do to make things easier?

First; Take it slow!

-Don’t feel like you need to see everyone, go everywhere and do everything all at once. Start off slow; catch up with a friend for a coffee on a weekday. Go out for dinner earlier in the evening. Make one or two plans per week, don’t fill up your calendar so your hectic all the time.

Second; Look after yourself:

As weird as this might sound after all the time we have spent in lockdowns, take some time for yourself. Make sure that you are aware of how you’re feeling, if you’re feeling agitated, stressed or just plain exhausted, you need to attend to this. Engaging in self-care means that you are not only looking after yourself, but that you are making re-entry a bit easier on yourself.

Third; It’s ok if you’ve changed

Unsurprisingly, the pandemic and lockdowns have changed us, not just a society, but us as individuals. If you, pre-pandemic, loved going out to clubs, bars or music festivals but now the thought of being around all those people feels awful, that’s ok.

If there are friends who previously you would have wanted to hang out with heaps, but now the thought of having to see them doesn’t feel appealing, that’s ok.

Realising that change happens, whether that’s organically or sometimes thrust upon us due to a pandemic, and that that change is (wait for it……) OK!

Sometimes these changes need to be challenged (see the second point – start off slow and work your way up to the music festival or your favourite bar), and sometimes you’ve just moved forward and want different things.

Now that lockdowns are over (hopefully forever!), give yourself permission to relearn what you like, to take things slow, to be around people you want to be around.

If you are feeling overwhelmed or anxious and feel you need to chat to sometime feel free to contact us on 8838-8687 or book an appointment online and come in to see one of our friendly Psychologists.