For many people, the anxiety of going back to public life after a long period of quarantine is very real. It can be difficult to know how to deal with those feelings and manage them in a healthy way. In this blog, we will discuss some tips that may help you during this time.
Before we start, it’s important to note that your anxiety is valid. Don’t punish yourself for feeling your feelings. It’s okay to be scared, and it’s okay to take your time. Talk to somebody who can help. A therapist or counselor can offer professional assistance and guidance as you work through your anxiety.
Identify Your Anxiety Triggers
Identify Your Anxiety Triggers. Once you know what situations or activities make you feel anxious, you can start to understand them or plan for them in advance.
We’ve had to make a lot of life changes in the past 2+ years of the pandemic. Shifting in a new direction will not happen overnight. Ease into it. Start small if you need to. You might not be ready to go back to a full-blown anxiety-inducing activity, and that’s okay. Work your way up to it at your own pace.
Anxiety is natural. Rather than trying to avoid it, focus on ways to sit with it. That’s how we build tolerance. And the more we practice, the easier it gets. If you’re feeling anxious about going back to public post-covid-19 quarantine, know that you’re not alone. Start small, focus on building tolerance, and reach out for support.
Create a Plan
Anxiety can often be paralyzing, making it hard to do anything. If you can, sit down and make a plan of action. Create a plan or list of things to do to manage the stress/anxiety symptoms as they come. What are the first steps you need to take? Write them down and then take it one step at a time. Just getting started can be half the battle. This can be things like:
- Taking breaks often
- Practice deep breathing
- Go for a walk outside
- Drink plenty of water
- Connect with friends or family virtually
- Talk to a therapist
There are ways to ease into it and work through the anxiety. Start small, focus on building tolerance, and reach out for support.
I often find myself saying, “Just because everyone else is ready doesn’t mean you have to be too.” Anxiety can be very overwhelming and make it difficult to do things that others may find simple. That’s okay! You know your body and mind best. Give yourself grace and go at your own pace. If you need to, take a step back and reevaluate if now is the right time for you to return back into public post-covid-19 quarantine.
If anxiety is something you’re struggling with, please reach out for help. Talk to a therapist or counselor who can help you develop healthy coping mechanisms specific to your needs. Heal Your Roots Wellness has therapists that specialize in handling anxiety. Anxiety doesn’t have to control your life. With the right support, you can live an anxiety-free life!
Seek External Help for Anxiety Support
Reach out for help: there’s no shame in admitting that you need help dealing with anxiety. Many people suffer from anxiety, and there are plenty of resources available to help you through tough times. Don’t be afraid to ask.
Talk to someone who understands: it can be really helpful talking to someone who has gone through or is currently going through the same thing as you. They get it. They understand what you’re feeling and can offer advice from their own experiences. If you don’t have anyone in your life that fits this description, please consider reaching out to a therapist or counselor. Just knowing that there’s someone out there who gets it can make all the difference.
Therapy can be extremely beneficial for those struggling with anxiety. If you feel like you need professional help, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We are here to help you through this tough time. Remember, you are not alone. Many people suffer from anxiety and there are plenty of resources available to help you through tough times. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. You can get through this!
Support Yourself
Don’t compare your progress with anyone else’s. Growth is about you. No one else. Keep This in mind as you work on managing your anxiety in public after the Covid-19 quarantine. It’s okay to be where you’re at.
It can also be helpful to understand that anxiety is usually a result of feeling out of control in some way. In this case, it’s the fear of being in public and around other people again. The best way to combat anxiety is by taking back control where you can.
Give yourself grace, no one can tell you when you’re ready but you. When you’re ready, start with small steps and work your way up.
And finally, don’t forget to give yourself credit for the progress you make along the way.
Small, Sustainable Steps
Stepping out of your comfort zone is essential for change. But that doesn’t mean you have to do it all at once. Ease into it by starting with small steps and work your way up. Start small and work your way up to larger social crowds.
If going out into a crowded place feels impossible right now, try starting with something less daunting like walking around your neighborhood or going to a quiet park. Once you feel more comfortable, slowly start adding more people and places into the mix. If the anxiety is proving to be too much, it’s okay to back out and try again another day.
Anxiety is like a storm, it blows in and out of our lives. The key is not to drown while we wait for it to pass. If anxiety is proving to be too much, it’s okay to back out and try again another day. Trust your instincts and take things at your own pace. We understand that this is a lot easier said than done.
Spend Time Outdoors
As the weather gets warmer, focus on more outdoor activities and events. Being outside has been proven to calm anxiety and help with focus. If you can, try and avoid any high anxiety situations until you feel more comfortable.
Ease into your new normal and give yourself some grace. This is all still very new for all of us and we are all figuring it out as we go. Try not to put too much pressure on yourself and take things one day at a time.
Time for Yourself
Take some time for yourself every day to do things that make you happy and help you relax. This can be anything from reading, taking a walk outside, listening to music, or spending time with loved ones. Make sure to schedule in some down time and stick to it! Try not to let your anxiety control your life – live your life despite the anxiety.
We’re social beings at our core. Human interaction is important for our mental health and wellbeing. After being isolated for so long, it’s only natural to feel anxious about re-entering the world.
Wrap Up
We hope these tips were helpful in managing anxiety during this difficult time. Please remember that you are not alone and there is help available if you need it. Do not hesitate to reach out if you need support. We are all in this together!
If your job requires you to go back to work in person then focus on what you have control over (what are your safety precautions?). If you have anxiety about being in public or around people again, start with small short exposures and work your way up.
Consult with a therapist if your anxiety is severe or isn’t improving with self-help measures. Exposure therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, relaxation techniques, and/or medication may be recommended by a mental health professional to help address anxiety symptoms.
Remember that anxiety is a normal response to stress. It’s not something you can just “snap out of.” But with time, patience, and practice, you can learn how to manage anxiety in a way that works for you.
Warmest wishes,
Elijah Jackson
