Health and happiness
As restrictions start to lift, I can’t help but worry about adjusting to ‘normal’ life again. How can I reduce my anxiety around it?
The last year has been far from normal. With our busy lives on hold and spending the majority of our time at home, the thought of things getting back to some semblance of normality is a daunting prospect for many. If you’re worried, here are some things that might help:
Take it slow
When you’re feeling anxious, it can be a common response to try to avoid situations altogether. This can actually make things worse, heightening your feelings of fear or worry. To help, try not to go for a big change straight away. Instead, you could do it in small steps to ease yourself back into the swing of things.
Make it fun
Use this opportunity to think about the things you enjoy that you can start doing once lockdown is lifted. It might help you to make a list of the things you want to do, the places you want to visit and the people you want to see.
Be kind to yourself
Don’t be too harsh on yourself as lockdown restrictions begin to lift, and remember that it will take time for things to return to the ‘new normal’. It’s OK if you take longer to adjust than others around you. Everyone should be able to go at their own pace.