It is completely normal to feel anxious or unsure as the world reopens and discussions with friends have gone from tips to surviving life at home to vacation and summer plans. Yes, summer is great, and the chance to have some backyard barbeques, lazy days at the pool, or just a slow down of the work schedule is enough to brighten anyone’s mood. However, there is natural anxiety about how to reenter the world and pick up where we left off before the pandemic entered our lives.
There’s no one right solution for everyone, but there are a few key areas that can help almost anyone begin to feel more peaceful and optimistic about the summer ahead.
Be patient with yourself.
It’s no secret that we are often much less patient with ourselves than we are with others. If a friend expressed to us they were feeling a little uneasy about attending that big wedding next weekend, we’d likely tell them to listen to their intuition and politely bow out. And yet, when it’s us who isn’t quite sure whether or not to accept that invitation and travel due to feelings of uncertainty, we’re likely to be harsh with ourselves and feel guilty for weeks after.
Show yourself kindness and listen to your body. If the thought of shopping for a new outfit, booking travel, or mingling with a couple of hundred people makes you feel anything less than excited or thrilled, consider sending a gift and a nice note instead and don’t feel pressured to make excuses. By going at your own pace, you’ll be great company when you know it’s time to venture back out.
Start small
There are no rules for how to reenter the world after a pandemic. Yes, the roaring 20s have us feeling like we need to grab our party clothes and dance the night away, but in reality, somedays venturing out to a coffee shop for a quiet drink with a friend is enough. If you’ve been living inside your four walls for the past year and you’re ready to head back out, start small. Schedule a walk with a friend. Meet a co-worker at an outdoor café and catch up over coffee or tea. Or, invite a handful of friends over for a backyard barbeque.
Explore therapy
The number of people who have either started therapy for the first time or returned to treatment has exploded in recent months. For many, the current COVID-19 crisis has turned their lives upside down. From losing friends or family members to losing routine, jobs, or relationships, the pandemic has affected everyone in different ways. The idea of talking to a neutral party about all the ways life feels uncertain right now is appealing and also might be a bit daunting. Therapy can take many forms – from traditional talk therapy to meditation practices and even yoga or fitness classes – therapy can be what you need it to be.
Exploring the right fit for you takes time, patience, and an openness to try something new. When you listen to your own body, advocate for yourself, and approach each day as it comes, you’ll likely experience a feeling of inner peace and calm. When you remember to start small, be kind to yourself, and practice gratitude, you’re more likely to remember the world as a beautiful place full of possibilities.
