Struggling with the idea of returning to “normal”?
You are not alone!
A Leger survey found half (52%) of Canadians are anxious about going back to how things were before the pandemic (1). Some of us may be fully vaccinated but still worry about the risks of COVID-19 (we’re looking at you 4th wave…). While others might be dealing with social anxiety related to returning to work, school, or play. Many of us have struggled during this period. 40 per cent of Canadians say their mental health has deteriorated since March 2020 (2).
Getting back to our pre-COVID routines might bring up a range of EMOTIONS! Fear, joy, anger, anxiety, excitement, grief, worry, sadness, relief… to name a few.
Everyone will feel different, and that is OK. And it’s OK to go at your own pace.
While maintaining current public health guidelines, try reacclimating step by step. Maybe you are ready for dinner on a patio with a friend but need more time before you attend an indoor party.
Communicating your boundaries with loved ones about what you are ready for and what you are not ready for can also help (3). You can also help manage your stress by getting enough sleep, exercising, meditating, or talking to a friend (4,5,6,7).
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We’re in this together ❤️
After the past year and a half, getting back to the things we used to do can be stressful. When things start getting back to normal, take the time to check in with yourself and your comfort levels.
[1/2]#TakeScience #ScienceUpFirst pic.twitter.com/ZzM6Iky743
— ScienceUpFirst | LaScienceD’abord (@ScienceUpFirst) August 13, 2021
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- Lifting Safety Measures and the Return to Normal – May 26, 2021
- Mental health impacts of COVID-19: Wave 2
- Feeling better at work! Mental health self-management strategies for workers with depressive and anxiety symptoms
- Short- and long-term health consequences of sleep disruption
- Regular exercise is associated with emotional resilience to acute stress in healthy adults
- Dispositional Mindfulness Co-Varies with Smaller Amygdala and Caudate Volumes in Community Adults
- Springer Link