Dealing with the transition out of lockdown
The past year has been a tough one. We have all been thrown into a cyclone of change. Not knowing when we’ll be fully out of it or how we will emerge coming out the other side.
Lockdown might have been a good time for you and you might be transitioning out of it as a happier, healthier, more well rounded version of yourself. However, for the majority, lockdown has been tough and this transition “back to normality” is actually circulating even more feelings of anxiety and stress.
Whether you have struggled financially, lost your job, changed careers, lost loved ones, struggled mentally, or even found a new way of living that feels scary to now leave, this transition needs to be approached with caution.
It might feel like you need to throw yourself back in to all the social plans, work shifts and saying yes to as much as possible, but in reality if you do this you are likely to burn out or find yourself struggling to cope.
So how do we manage the transition?
Keep checking in on yourself - allow yourself moments to sit with how you’re feeling and respect your emotions. Ask yourself the question: “How am I feeling?” and be honest with yourself.
Learn when to say yes and when to say no - you are in control of this. You don’t need to allow pressure to make decisions for you. Sometimes saying yes will do you good but sometimes saying no will be best; practice doing both and learn which is right for you in the moments you’re faced with.
Give yourself some time - you’ve spent a year in a different life, remove the pressure to dive straight back in to how it used to be. Likelihood is the “new normal” will be different to your “old normal” anyway, so take your time to find your feet and ease into things.
Practice self-care - do the things that you know are good for you. Exercise, meditate, eat nourishing foods, journal… keep allocating time for you.
Breathe - focus on your breath. If you are feeling anxious or finding your breath is short, shallow and in your chest, take some time to focus on your inhale and exhale; sending the breath down into the stomach.
Talk to others - whether you speak to friends, family, colleagues or professionals, have honest conversations with people about how you’re feeling and how you’re coping. However, be aware that some people might not be the right ones for you to open up to as, without even realizing, they might add to your stress or anxiety. So be honest but ease into the conversation to see if it’s right for you.
Whether you are currently eager to fill up your calendar again or are tentatively dipping your toe back out into the world; take your time and do what is best for you. Look after your social and emotional wellbeing, which somedays will mean getting out of your pyjama’s and heading out the door but other days it will mean staying in and having time to yourself. Find that balance.
And if you are looking for help and guidance on how to best look after your wellbeing, or have a specific area of wellness you need help with, please do get in touch and find out how you can work with me.
#bettyoucan #helpingyoudoyou