How to Take Care of Your Mental Health as Lockdown Eases
How to Take Care of Your Mental Health as Lockdown Eases
For many of us, the period or process of getting back to normal gradually after the lockdown ease may give rise to the feelings of anxiety or nervousness.
Throughout the coronavirus lockdown, there’s been a lot of discussion about how best to take care of our mental health during the pandemic. From dealing with stress of working from home, feelings of fear or panic during pandemic, feelings of isolation to managing our anxiety, for many people, lockdown has been an exercise in putting their mental health first.
If you’re feeling anxious about returning to the office or want to learn more about setting boundaries in your friendships, here’s how to manage and take care of your mental health as lockdown eases.
What is “re-entry anxiety”?
The idea of ‘re-entry anxiety’ has been used recently to describe the feelings of anxiety that can result as lockdowns lift in certain regions, as life hopefully returns to a degree of normality with precautions. Believe, you are not alone with these feelings.
There is a reason for this. When we start to move out of our comfort zones it causes feelings of uncertainty, anxiety and overwhelm. This is what we all experienced at the beginning of lockdown, and now we will be experiencing the reverse effect when we come out of lockdown.
Is this anxiety normal?
It’s only natural that we’re finding it hard to revamp our lives again. Feeling some degree of anxiety or worry because of it is pretty much normal during difficult times. Returning to the workplace after so long spent at home is likely to be a stressful experience.
But in fact, some stress or worry about this may help us being helpful and protective. It helps us to adhere to public health guidance, like wearing a mask when in public place and maintain social distancing wherever you go say it office or shopping for your daily needs.
Taking care of your mental health and anxiety
If you’re dealing with feelings of anxiety or so-called re-entry anxiety and worry while getting back to the new-normal, it’s important to understand that this is a completely normal response to the current situation. Here we have gathered some tips that can help you cope up with such anxiety.
Keeping informed only from reliable sources
There is often reassurance to be found in facts and reliable advice, as it can meaningfully counter worry or negative thoughts that may be more rooted in fear.
Practising mindfulness or breathing exercises
You can always do the breathing exercises to keep you free from any such stress and anxiety. Or talk to your psychiatrist on how to deal with the anxiety related to this new phase.
Talk to your friends and family about how you are feeling
Sometimes you may feel relaxed when meeting and talking with your friends and family in an outdoor space in a less busy time when it’s easier to maintain social distancing.
Do the things at your own pace
Setting achievable daily tasks can help to challenge anxiety and build confidence on your task completions.
Being compassionate with yourself
It is obvious that many of us will feel less productive than we usually do and may need more rest and downtime. Find time for yourself to do different things or go to places or anything needed for self-care. Don’t feel guilty about making time for yourself.
Supporting young people
Children returning to daycare, or school after easing lockdown may experience some initial anxiety. Remember, this is natural after such an extended period at home.
Remember, help is at hand
Most importantly, if you are still worried about your mental health, or that of a family member, it’s important not to delay seeking help and support. Consult a psychiatrist nearby and talk about the issues.