Tips to Cope With Anxiety About Returning to a Pre-Pandemic Lifestyle

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, you’ve probably wondered when you could return to your normal routines without restrictions. For many people, that moment has arrived, and for countless others, it’s right around the corner.

But what if you’re suddenly feeling apprehensive about the return to normal? Maybe you’re worried about contracting the virus. Or maybe the thought of going back to the office and managing a packed social calendar leaves you feeling stressed.

And if all of your loved ones are excited to get together again, you might feel guilty for your own hesitancy. But if you’re feeling this way, you’re not alone - and your response is nothing to be ashamed of.

Here are a few ways to navigate these feelings of post-pandemic anxiety.

Accept Your Feelings Without Judgment

First, it’s important to allow yourself to accept your feelings. You might compare your own mindset to your friends who are more excited about socializing or heading back to work in person. Doing so can make you feel down.

You may tell yourself that you should be able to accept these changes in stride. But you can’t force yourself to feel a certain way. Everyone had a different experience during the pandemic, and everyone’s adjustment to this new phase will be unique, too. Resist the urge to judge yourself negatively.

Take It Slow

Remember, you don’t have to dive into all the hobbies and events you used to attend right away. Maybe you could start adapting by simply seeing a couple of close friends on the weekend. Or perhaps you’re open to socializing in larger groups, but you would feel more comfortable sticking to outdoor gatherings for now.

And even if requirements for mask usage in businesses and public spaces have been lifted in your area, you do not need to rush into leaving home without a mask if you don’t feel quite safe yet. Just move at your own pace.

Choose Your Priorities

What if the pandemic and the break from “normal” have given you the opportunity to reevaluate some of your priorities and lifestyle choices? For example, perhaps you’ve realized that you would prefer to continue working from home. Or maybe you’ve concluded that some people you spent lots of time with previously were actually quite toxic for your mental health.

It’s okay if you want to make some of these changes permanent. For instance, you could talk to your boss about the possibility of continuing to work remotely, or you could decline invitations to see certain old friends.

Focus on the Perks

You may have a long list of things that you’re nervous about right now. But chances are, there are at least a few things you’re looking forward to! Make a list of a couple of things you’ve missed during the pandemic to focus on the positives.

Add to this list whenever you think about a new perk of post-pandemic life!

Consider Therapy

If you are experiencing severe, ongoing anxiety at the thought of contracting the virus or socializing again, consider therapy. Working with a therapist can help you address the roots of these fears and heal from any underlying trauma that you may have experienced during the pandemic.

Many therapists will see clients over video chat, so you do not have to risk your health to get treatment.

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Are you having trouble adjusting to life now that society is recovering from the pandemic? It’s perfectly normal to feel this way, and therapy can help. Reach out to us today to discuss your options for scheduling your first session.