Looking After Your Mental Health - Post Lockdown Anxiety
The gradual easing of lockdown brings with it the opportunity to feel more “normal”, to see friends and family, to pop out for a pint and even return to work and our pre-lockdown routines.
For many, this news has been welcomed with open arms - and is a positive change both socially and economically. However, with the easing of lockdown, also comes an air of uncertainty, worry and anxiety for so many of us. Research conducted by Anxiety UK has reported the prospect of lifting Covid-19 restrictions, has led to an increase in anxiety levels by 67%.
We spent over seven weeks in ‘strict lockdown’, not being able to see friends or family and not being able to leave the house unless for essential shopping or our daily dose of exercise. The 12 weeks since has seen a gradual easing of lockdown - we were slowly allowed to meet people outside, then shops started to reopen, followed by pubs and restaurants opening their doors to the public.
This change has brought with it fresh new challenges, leading to new anxieties and fears. It’s more important than ever to look after your mental health as we slowly come out of lockdown. Remember to only try and control what can be controlled, don’t compare your journey to others - everyone copes with challenges differently and remember to be kind to yourself and others.
Things to remember as we come out of lockdown …
Focus On The Present
Your life is happening right now - not yesterday, not tomorrow and not next year. There is an endless list of possibilities and questions of what might happen in the future - When will a vaccine be ready? Will we have a second spike? Will we have to go back into a strict lockdown? Will I get to go on my holiday later in the year?
The future is less clear than it has been for many years, with numerous new challenges on the horizon. It’s important not to let this uncertainty overwhelm you - focus on the present, things you can do right now and live in the moment as much as possible. Remember, you can only do your best with what you have today.
Set Your Own Pace
Now that we’re allowed to see friends and family, meet in small groups and have people inside our homes, it doesn’t mean we have to do all these things immediately. It’s perfectly OK to not feel completely comfortable with social interactions right away.
Remember, everyone has their boundaries. Be confident letting people know yours and be accepting of others... If you’re not OK with meeting people at the pub - then that’s ok. If you’re not comfortable going over to a friends house for a BBQ just yet, then that’s OK too. Which leads us on to the strength to say no ...
Say No
Most of us have experienced a slower pace of life since lockdown started at the end of March - with fewer social activities, fewer plans being made and a whole lot more time to ourselves.
For me, this has made me realise how mentally and physically drained I must have been pre-lockdown. My weekends of constant travelling around the UK to see friends for boozy gatherings were replaced with more time to focus on myself and spend more time in my lovely home city. As lockdown eases, we’ll notice our diaries getting fuller again - but it’s OK to say no to plans.
If you have found that you prefer that slower pace of life (I certainly have), then learn from this time and try not to revert back to your pre-lockdown ways. I know I’ll be making sure I have more time for myself, balancing time spent visiting friends and family, with time spent in Chester with my Fiance, looking after my wellbeing.
Be Kind To Yourself
Even though things are slowly going back to ‘normal’, this doesn’t mean we can’t forget what we have all been through. We’ve been locked in our houses, with limited contact with our friends and family, not to mention a lack of freedom to do things we want. Some of us may have been personally affected by Covid-19 or know relatives who have been - from finding yourself without a job to sadly losing loved ones due to the virus.
Make sure you keep checking in with yourself, check in with your friends and family and be kind to yourself and others. Someone might look like they are coping on the outside, but we’ll never fully know what’s going on on the inside.
Learn From Your Lockdown Experience
Has lockdown given you more time to spend on things that you love? Maybe that’s time reading, enjoying a bubble bath or you’ve found a new hobby. For me, being in lockdown has given me more time to spend outside - enjoying long walks in the countryside, doing yoga in the garden and I’ve finally got back into running. These things make me unbelievably happy, so why would I stop doing them now?
Coming out of lockdown gives us all a chance for a refresh, to stop any unhealthy habits and to start doing more of what makes us happy. We are in control of how we live our lives going forward - just be mindful and listen to what your mind and body tell you.
Checkout the benefits spending time outdoors has on your mental health here.
Talk to Your Work Place
Many workplaces are adapting to the current climate - with flexible working options in place such as working from home or having a phased return. If you are anxious to return to the office, then ask to speak to your manager or a colleague you trust. It’s much better to voice your fears, rather than keep them bottled up, putting yourself in an uncomfortable position.
Focus On The Positives
In a world of uncertainty and worry, try and focus on the positives. Look for small positives in your day to day life and indulge in them. Whether this is having a cuppa in your garden in the morning sun, visiting the garden centre with your mum or finally being able to have a picnic in the park with your best friend.
I keep a gratitude diary, to remind me of everything I am grateful for each day. Today’s entry;
I am grateful for the chance to explore the beautiful Peak District this weekend - getting to spend our days hiking in charming open countryside.
I am grateful for my lovely home and garden - Mine and Jonny’s first house which we’ve spent the last year turning into a home.
I am grateful for my Fiance. Jonny knows me inside and out, knows if any worries or anxieties are taking hold and knows (90% of the time…) how to help me return to my positive mindset.
Check out other ways of looking after your mental health during lockdown here.
Remember It’s OK To Ask For Help
If you are struggling with your mental health during these uncertain times, it’s OK to ask for help. A good place to start is to speak to your GP or by seeking support through mental health charities such as Mind.
Here are a few useful links which may help as we come out of lockdown;
Mental Health Foundation - Looking After Your Mental Health As We Come Out Of Lockdown
Bupa UK - Six Ways To Manage Post Lockdown Anxiety
Anxiety UK - Post Lockdown Anxiety
Young Minds - Coronavirus and Mental Health
And Finally …Stay Safe
Just because lockdown is easing, doesn’t mean we can forget that there is a global pandemic currently happening all around us. Wear a mask, wash your hands regularly and maintain social distancing as much as possible. Don’t forget, you’re not alone in this - we’re all going through it together.
“Be strong now because things will get better. It might be stormy now, but it can’t rain forever.”
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