The Covid-19 lockdown was an unprecedented overhaul of our daily lives. Most of us had never dealt with anything quite like it before. But now it’s coming to an end, and many of the habits we’ve picked up are coming to an end, too. Non-essential stores have re-opened, small private gatherings are now allowed, and some sense of normality is finally beginning to reassert itself.
Having been isolated for so long, many of us might feel understandably anxious about getting back into the swing of things. We might worry that we’ve forgotten how to do our jobs, or how to use public transport, or how to get up early in the morning. If you were already prone to anxiety beforehand, then these stresses might be especially galling.
Of course, we can’t stay in lockdown eventually, and so eventually
Keep Things Gradual
Lockdown isn’t a plaster that needs to be ripped off as quickly as possible. It’s something that you’ll need to leave in increments. If you take on too much too quickly, then you may end up feeling as though you’ve overwhelmed. Don’t feel pressured to bite off more than you can comfortably chew.
Adapt your Routine
Your first step should be to revert to your old sleep patterns. If you need to get up at seven in order to be in the office at nine, then it’s time to start doing that even if you haven’t yet been summoned back into work. Similarly, you might arrange your morning ritual – your teeth brushing, shower and grooming – as if you were back in work.
Avoid Public Transport
Statistically, you’re at greater risk if you take public transport. You might avoid it by looking for a car on a temporary basis. City commuters might go for something small and practical, like a Citroen C3.
Dress to Impress
Clothing can have a marked impact on the way others perceive you. But it can also change the way you perceive yourself. Dressing in professional clothing might provide you with the reminder that you did once earn a living through your profession, and that you might well be quite good at it.
Limit your Screen Time
Social media has proven a valuable tool during long periods of isolation. Through it, we’ve been able to keep in touch with those closest to us. But there is a dark side to social media. Overuse can lead to feelings of being overwhelmed, or the idea that the world is a darker and more dangerous place than it actually is. Limit your time on it; you’ll feel much better.