As life returns to normal, it is expected to feel apprehensive. Here are some tips on how to combat post-lockdown anxiety. While we have all been counting down the days until the end of lockdown, now that life appears to be returning to normal and our long-awaited freedom is finally ours, many of us are apprehensive rather than excited.

Over the past weeks, restrictions have slowly lifted, with hairdressers, pubs, and even flights reopening, which has caused a lot of anxiety amongst the public. To help deal with this anxious feeling, here are some simple tips to make the transition back to normality easier.

TAKE IT EASY

There is a lot of hype right now about returning to our favourite places, whether that be the local bars or hairdressers, but just because we have the freedom to do so, you don’t have to go straight away.

If you still feel uneasy about returning to these places, remember that they – hopefully – won’t be closing anytime soon and you have plenty of time to reintroduce yourself to the world. Don’t feel pressured to go to places just because everyone else is. It is okay to say no to things if you feel overwhelmed or apprehensive at the moment.

CONTINUE WITH YOUR SELF-CARE JOURNEY

Lockdown may be on its way out but that doesn’t mean that our new lockdown routines need to stay in lockdown. If you have found something new over the past few weeks, such as healthy eating, exercise or even just a new night-time routine, make sure to keep it up as you return to your normal regime.

Doing this will give you time to reflect on life as it starts to get back to being hectic again, and will make sure you are taking it easy. Saying that, if you don’t get to go on as many walks or workout every day, don’t be too hard on yourself. We all have busy lives and things we need to get done, so don’t beat yourself up if seeing friends with a takeaway takes priority over a healthy night in.

CATCH-UP WITH EVERYONE YOU HAVE MISSED

The last few months have consisted of a lot of Facetimes, zoom calls, and online quizzes to help stay connected.

While we haven’t been up to much, there is still a lot to catch up on now we can see each other in the flesh. Here are a few things that you could get everyone caught up on when you next see them: your new hobby, workout routine or series that you are obsessed with, and what you are looking forward to soon.

REMEMBER, EVERYTHING IS IN THE SAME BOAT

Take comfort in knowing that pretty much the whole world is in the same position right now and that everyone has the same mixed feelings of excitement and nervousness.

While staying at home was a completely foreign thing to us all a few months ago, as time has gone by, we have all become accustomed to staying at home and not mixing with anyone. And now we have to change again. It is a lot to deal with but know that you aren’t alone, and your friends, families, and colleagues can support you as we transition back to normal life.

STAY EDUCATED

While everything does appear to be going in the right direction, remember to stay safe and keep up-to-date with the regulations in place. This will hopefully relax you and not allow anything to catch you off guard, and if you are doing everything by the book, there shouldn’t be anything to worry about.

Always wear your mask on public transport and places where social distancing isn’t achievable. Keep some hand sanitizer on you and stay at least a metre apart from everyone. It is a little different to what we are used to but it’s all for the best and we’ll get used to it in no time.

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Words by Shannon Mountford

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