After spending half of the year socially distancing or isolating ourselves from others, the idea of our lives entering into the ‘new normal’ can feel incredibly daunting. Statistics show just under 50% of the population are feeling anxious about the future. There’s also been a dramatic shift from 1 in 10 to now 1 in 5 of us experiencing mental health issues due to limited contact.
Now, adapting back to our old way of life feels like an impossible task. As Sara Davidson said, “even if you’re not someone who suffers from anxiety, the sheer amount of change we’ve experienced within a short amount of time together with the acute risk of infection, and a second wave, is enough to send anyone spiralling” — and she’s right.
Yet, just because you may be feeling anxious about leaving your home, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t. In dealing with avoidance behaviours, you should be taking small, simple steps to combat them, not give into them as you try to navigate the new normal.
Find your Flow (Again)
As things are beginning to return to normal, don’t just jump back into your boring, anxiety-inducing, everyday routine. Identify the things that you loved to do before lockdown and plan your day around those or similar activities.
Whether it’s going to the hairdresser to get that well-needed trim, finding a good podcast to listen on your morning commute, or going to the gym after work, choose activities that help you find your flow.
Flow, or ‘when you become totally absorbed in what you are doing and experience intense concentration’ can be extremely soothing. These often indulgent moments are key when dealing with intense stress, as they give you a break from dealing with the worry of our new normal. So find ways, big or small, to incorporate flow into your everyday routine, and become excited at the prospect of leaving home rather than dreading it.
Have a Q&A with You a Day
As you begin planning your days and returning to work in the office, you still might feel anxious about certain activities or things you will have to experience in your everyday life that you once wouldn’t bat an eyelid to — and this is entirely normal. A recent study by Anxiety UK such as using public transport, going shopping, and even attending work or education are key points of anxiety, so you are not alone in your fear.
Yet, instead of avoiding them altogether and staying at home, ask yourself questions such as:
- Are there any alternatives to public transport, or things you can do whilst on it, to feel better?
- Is there anything in place at the shopping centre that will make me feel at ease?
- What do you need to change in the workplace to feel comfortable?
As you answer these questions, create a list of what will make you feel more at ease and take proactive steps to achieve your goals. Whether it’s taking a taxi instead of the tube, bringing extra hand gel with you on your next trip out, or having a conversation with your manager about how you can still socially distance while at the workplace, there will always be a solution that will not only make you feel more at ease but also bring you back into normality.
Be Kind To Yourself
As you slowly begin to build up a tolerance to the outside world, sometimes fear may get the better of you — and that’s ok. Don’t beat yourself up if one day you’re not able to go for a coffee or feel more comfortable working from home for a while.
If you find yourself becoming anxious, focus on the present and the tasks that you have or can achieve today. If you find yourself short of breath, practice breathing exercises to ground you, and, when you’re feeling comfortable to do so, talk to someone you trust. It’s important to acknowledge and validate these feelings of worry, not entirely dismiss them and be too harsh on yourself.
Ultimately, although people may be posting photos on Instagram of them living out and about, don’t compare yourself to someone else. We are not built with the innate knowledge to deal with a pandemic, so just because someone else may be comfortable living their life as close to ‘normal’ as they can be currently, that doesn’t mean that you are less valid for not feeling the same way. By doing what you’re comfortable with and slowly working around the things you’re not, you’re doing exactly as you should be in this situation — making yourself feel safe.
Written by Alison Irlam
Alison is a writer with a keen interest in mental health and wellbeing. Since finishing a postgraduate degree in Creative Writing and having her own experiences with mental health, she has dedicated her time to helping and empowering others to make positive changes in their own lives.
