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After over a year of COVID-19 restrictions, the world appears to be opening up again, thanks to safe vaccines being widely available just before warm weather enables even more outdoor activities. For many folks the news is bringing on a mix of emotions: relief at vaccines enabling safe reunions with friends and family, but also fear and anxiety at being back out in the world.
In fact, the American Psychological Association releaseda surveythat found that half of adults feel stress about returning to in-person interactions. And it makes sense, after all, for many months, being vigilant and aware of every interaction was key to our survival.
“As much as people want freedom, going outside or spending time with others is a new way of life that we haven’t been exposed to in a while,” says Alyssa Mairanz, LMHC, DBTC, owner and clinical director ofEmpower Your Mind Therapy (EYMT). “It’s hard to trust that this is okay and that it is healthy and safe to do.”
All these factors and more can add up to unease. No matter what’s behind your post-Covid jitters, we have a few solutions that may help you get over the hump.
Post-Covid Anxiety Factor: Large Group Activities
Whether you’re contemplating going to a concert, a movie, or just a trip to the grocery store, being in close proximity to people can bring on stress for many of us. First rule of thumb, according to Arceri: Take it slow.
“I encourage people to think of going out again as exposure therapy. Start with something small, see how you feel, and build from there,” she says. For example, an outdoor gathering with a handful of friends can be a way to test the waters before you even think about booking a Saturday matinee. And if you want to wear a mask and feel protected, then go for it.
For introverts who haven’t been used to that drained feeling that can come with social interaction,Mairanz has some advice for after any activities you try: “Make time to recharge.” She warns, “Be mindful of how you are feeling before you reach your breaking point with exerting energy. We cannot control how society goes on after the pandemic, but we do have the power to control how we cope with it.”
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Post-Covid Anxiety Factor: Dating
Dating can cause stress even in the best of circumstances. But now as we navigate each other’s comfort levels—and a lot of people feeling rusty from lack of practice—it can feel even more daunting.
Arceri echoes that statement, saying,“Many of my clients are starting to venture back into dating. However, no one says you need to jump right to indoor dining and visiting someone’s home.”
Also on the table: asking about vaccination status. Arceri says, “It’s important to honor your boundaries when dating. If asking someone about their vaccination status makes you most comfortable, you have every right to do so.”
Worried that seems nosy? “if the person isn’t comfortable answering, they do not have to!” she says. Just knowing how they react can be telling. “If you’re looking to date or work towards a partnership, shared values and respect for each other’s boundaries is important,” she says. “If your question offends someone, it’s likely a sign of incompatibility and that’s okay!”
Post-Covid Anxiety: Returning to the Office
For many folks, work-from-home orders come with the benefit of a better work/life balance with commutes off the table. If the idea of going back fills you with dread, Arceri suggests doing some self-reflection.
“Take some time to reflect on what parts of ‘normal’ you don’t want to return to. Once you’ve decided what you want to prioritize, hold yourself accountable to making that happen,” she says. “Often we take on more work than we should or spread ourselves too thin. It’s up to us to say no when necessary.”
If the idea of working from home indefinitely seems to be the right one for you, it might be worth a conversation with your employer about a hybrid work situation, says Mairanz. “Many people are easing back into work from the office, so perhaps there is potential for you to continue working from home part time.”
One tip: “Make sure you effectively point out how productive you’ve been over the past year, any particular accomplishments, and why you should continue working in this way,” she adds.
If that’s not an option, Mairanz says to focus on the positive, reminding yourself that at the office “there is a clear boundary between work and home life, so you don’t have to feel attached to your computer as often when you’re home.” You also have access to your favorite co-workers—and any of your lunch spots you miss.
Post-Covid Anxiety: Dealing With Weight Changes
A change in routine can come with a change in weight — loss orgain— and that can be a hard thing to embrace. Focusing on body positivity without judgment can be hard, but doing what you can to celebrate yourself just as you are matters. It all begins with how you talk to yourself, says Mairanz. When you find yourself in a negative loop, try to stop and change the tone. Her advice: “Speak to yourself as though you were speaking to a best friend.”
And Arceri reminds everyone to cut themselves a break here: “Your body just survived a global pandemic, that’s amazing!” After all, she says, “We are more than our bodies and our bodies are more than just aesthetics.”
One thing to avoid: Jumping head-first into any sort of diet. Says Arceri, “Repeated research shows that diets do not work long term,” so there’s really no point in torturing yourself here.
Instead, she says, “I’d recommend focusing on what foods feel good in your body and what activities feel good for your body.” If weight loss comes with it, you can embrace it if you like, but the goal is health, not size.
And, finally, remember to dress in a way that makes you feel confident. If a shopping trip isn’t the budget, consider takingJessica’s Alba lead and hosting a clothing swap instead.
As information about thecoronavirus pandemicrapidly changes, PEOPLE is committed to providing the most recent data in our coverage. Some of the information in this story may have changed after publication. For the latest on COVID-19, readers are encouraged to use online resources from theCDC,WHOandlocal public health departments.PEOPLE has partnered with GoFundMeto raise money for the COVID-19 Relief Fund, a GoFundMe.org fundraiser to support everything from frontline responders to families in need, as well as organizations helping communities. For more information or to donate, clickhere.
source: people.com
