You’ve spent months navigating the COVID-19 pandemic. Maybe part of you welcomed some changes. For instance, you might have enjoyed having the opportunity to work from home. And at the same time, you may have struggled with other rules. For instance, perhaps you wished you could travel to see family that lives far away.
But now, as public health regulations lift and the world returns to “normal,” you might struggle with the transition. Perhaps you’re eager to return to some aspects of your former lifestyle. Yet you may still have moments of difficulty during the adjustment period. This is more common than you might think, and you’re definitely not alone.
Here’s how to maintain your mental health during this shift back to “normal.”
Take It Slow
You do not have to rush back into all of your old hobbies and routines right away. Remember, you’re allowed to move at your own pace. Right now, it’s best not to compare yourself to others.
If you’re feeling insecure because some of your loved ones are adapting quickly while you feel anxious, it’s time to focus on yourself. Everyone has their own comfort level as we move back to “normal,” and you have every right to go about your routine as you see fit.
Establish Routines
That said, it is a good idea to get into some healthy routines. For example, you may have stopped working out during lockdowns because your gym was closed. Now, maybe your gym has reopened, but you’re not quite ready to go back.
In order to establish a regular fitness routine again, you might want to attend outdoor workout classes or start running with a friend outside. Giving your days a sense of predictability can be beneficial for your mental health.
Watch Your “Media Diet”
Have you been checking the news constantly throughout the pandemic? In such tumultuous times, it’s only natural that you would want to stay informed. And as regulations change over the next few months, you’ll still want to pay attention to updates from your local area. But it’s important to consider whether your media diet is having a negative effect on your mental health.
You may want to remove certain news apps from your phone, check local news rather than national news, or even do a digital detox for a week or two.
Take Precautions
You have every right to continue taking precautions against COVID-19 if you would feel more comfortable doing so. Perhaps your loved ones have been leaving their own masks at home when they go out, but you would prefer to wear yours. That’s perfectly fine!
Keeping a mask and hand sanitizer with you when you leave the house might help you feel safer and more comfortable when you interact with others at work, at school, or when running errands.
Communicate Your Needs
What if you have loved ones who are pressuring you to go out of your comfort zone before you are ready? Or maybe you have friends and relatives who have adapted quickly to the lack of regulations, and even if they don’t try pushing you to go beyond your own limits, they still can’t understand where you’re coming from?
If these scenarios sound familiar, it’s up to you to communicate your needs. Don’t be afraid to set strong boundaries when necessary - after all, your physical and mental health is in your hands.
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Are you struggling to maintain your mental health as the world goes back to normal? Talking to a therapist can help you process your emotions. Reach out to us today to discuss your options for scheduling your first session.