Whether you’re ready for it or not, things are opening up.
Going from sitting at home watching the birds in the garden, or binge watching Netflix
To going out to eat in restaurants, having invitations to parties, and being able to go into shops and not queue.
Is all too much for some people.
Yes.
So, here are my 7 ways to help you deal with it all.
- Take it slow and steady.
If your friends want to meet up at restaurant, pick a time when it’s quiet, not so many people, or suggest eating outside if the weather’s good enough. Keep shopping at quiet times, and then build it up, build it up so you can go busy at times, but take it slow and steady. Do it at your pace
2. Focus on what you can control.
There are lots and lots of unknowns at the minute. And that can only fuel anxieties. Because anxiety focuses on the things that we do not know. And it focuses on the negative “what if”. So just focus on what works for you. If you feel happier and safer, wearing a mask, keeping distance, no hugging, then stick to it. When you’re in control, then the anxiety has absolutely nothing to feed off
3. If you’re going out – plan it out.
Even if it’s only going shopping, find out the best routes, etc. that may be less crowded, or sort out the best times. If you’re nervous about that maybe do a test run, see what it’s like. And then, if you don’t like it, tweak it.
4. Listen to your own gut instincts.
We’re all unique, so we all have our own ways of dealing with things. We all have mental and physical boundaries. So if by following your own boundaries, keeps you calm and feeling safe. Then, quite simply, do it.
5. Let people know your fears.
Whether it’s your partner, your best friend, your colleague or maybe even a therapist, let them know your concerns they may have the same concerns as you. So you can maybe find ways to overcome them together. Or, if you decide you need more in depth help a therapist can help you clear the anxious mindset so you can feel calm and in control.
6. Do it YOUR away.
If you found ways to keep anxiety at bay, and helped you deal with the past year or so just keep doing it. Maybe you’re more than happy to carry on online shopping. There’s no rule saying that you must go into the shops now. Perhaps you found a hairdresser who will come to you. Why change if it works. We’ve all tweaked our daily routines, some things I’ll keep like doing online shopping, and some things I will be so glad to get back to things like meeting friends, or going to the pub.
7. You are YOU.
We all learn at different paces. So, see this is a learning curve, and do it at your own pace. Remember, you are strong, and you know yourself better than anyone. So do things when you’re ready.
As I said, there may be things that you stick to -maybe working from home is ideal.
The biggest lesson we can all take is how resilient we have been.
Yes, it’s been tough and this new period will even be tougher. But I have no doubt we will all get through it wiser, and stronger.
If you need any help with any of these Reopenings anxieties, then drop me a message, get in touch.
I can help.
You don’t have to do this on your own.
