Our Medway Team share tips on how to beat post lockdown anxiety
With Lockdown hopefully starting to ease soon many of us, including myself, have been jumping for joy with the thought of pub gardens, haircuts, meals out with friends (and family of course!) and a gym!.
However not everyone will feel the same and infact some will be feeling anxious, stressed or even fear the thought of stepping out of lockdown. Here are some tips to help you ease out of lockdown
- Be kind to yourself: Firstly don’t judge yourself – you are not alone in feeling like this and who can blame you – after all we’ve spent almost a year wrapped in a bubble away from any form of socialising. Feeling anxious and fearful is perfectly normal.
- Take one step at a time – there is no rush or pressure on you to do anything by a certain date. The roadmap itself is a cautious journey which is an indicator that caution is key. Of course people around you may be excited and start throwing dates at you…but take your time and just schedule one thing in a week to start with and build it up slowly.
- Avoid overthinking : Focus on the now. Don’t think too far ahead as things can change.
- What do you enjoy? : Remind yourself what genuinely makes you happy and plan these things in. Whether it be seeing your friends and family or just sitting in a park with a picnic. Forget about the things that you don’t enjoy for now (like shopping in a supermarket)…you will get to these in time. To
- What was the previous normal? : Don’t feel as though you have to go back to the “Old” normal. There have been a number of positives that have come out of lockdown both personally and professionally for many including investing in ourselves and doing more things as a family. And it’s up to you if you choose to hold onto these to help shape your new normal. Just because we are coming out of lockdown, it does not mean any of this has to stop.
- Find your motivation : If going back to the gym scares you, then remind yourself what exercise you actually enjoy. Have you enjoyed your virtual HiiT or walks? If so then continue doing this. Just because gyms are open it does not mean you have to go back there.
- Talk to others : Talking to people you know or a support service will enable you to understand how to manage your anxiety. Talking to others such as friends or a community will enable you to see what there are so many others who will be feeling the same.
- So what if you haven’t changed your life : We hear stories of how Lockdown has enabled some to transform their lives. Well the truth is these situations are very few and far between. Most of us have been muddling through the past year and doing as best we can. Don’t compare your life to anyone else’s…we never know the full story and comparison is the thief of joy.
Be kind to you and take one step at a time.