Life balance

If the easing of restrictions makes you anxious, Emma says there are ways to gradually get back to socialising

We have all grown used to being told what we can and can’t do and where we can and can’t go – and we will need time to adapt as things start to return to normal. For a year, you have been bombarded by traumatic news and negative social media and it will have affected you. Your confidence to do simple things such as grabbing a coffee may provoke anxiety. These feelings are completely understandable. It has been an awful time, and you may feel the only safe place is your home. Remember: the roadmap is gradual precisely to keep you safe, so take baby steps – starting with what will bring you as much joy, connection and celebration as possible. Prioritise your closest friends and family for one-to-one outdoor meetups. Some people may already be planning big events for the summer, but you don’t have to engage with that yet. Instead, meet one important person for a coffee in the park. This will start to normalise socialising. Once the rule of six comes in, if the thought of seeing five people at once terrifies you, invite one friend to sit in your garden, and make a safe friend list, which could include those who have been vaccinated or those you know take great precautions. As you grow in confidence, build up social activities. On the flip side, if you are raring to get out, remember that many people may feel differently, and while that may frustrate you – particularly if it’s your bestie – instead of being annoyed, meet their fears with compassion and think how you can help to reassure them and build their confidence.