A family wearing masks.

Recently, England saw the lifting of all its lockdown restrictions at once, including the legal need to wear facemasks or social distance. For some, this was what they had been waiting for: the ability to get ‘back to normal’. However, it is normal for this situation to cause some people to feel anxious about this. After almost two years inside, here are a few tips to help you get back to feeling comfortable, while you do the things you love.

Go at your own pace

Even though there is no legal requirement for you to follow social distancing or mask wearing, it doesn’t mean you can’t. Don’t feel pressured into changing your routines if they are keeping you comfortable and working for you right now – take it step by step and do more and more as your confidence grows. 

 

Don’t avoid things entirely

Avoiding things that make us anxious or nervous can sometimes make it worse in the long run. Instead, try to set yourself targets, like meeting one friend for a coffee or getting a haircut, and then build from there. It can help to talk to the person you’re meeting about how you’re feeling – they could feel the same way!

 

Talk about how you feel

The best way to feel less anxious is to tell someone what you are worried about. Communication is very important, and can help you to realise what you need to do in order to feel better. It’s very easy to feel isolated or lonely when we are struggling, but it’s likely that someone you know has felt the same at some other point. However, if you’re still not ready to talk to someone in person, the Let’s Talk Loneliness Campaign has plenty of people you can speak to, either over the phone or online.

 

Find routine where you can

When we went into lockdown, we all developed new routines. From one daily walk, to working from home, life changed for most of us. An easy way to feel in control in a world that is changing is by grasping on to at least some of your routine. Could you wake up at a set time or go to bed at the same time every night? Could you make sure you have the same dinner hour or go for a walk at the same time every day? Sticking to a routine for even one part of your day may help.

 

Take time for you

As overwhelming as coming out of lockdown may be, make sure you don’t forget to take care of yourself and your needs. Being able to see friends and family that you haven’t seen for a while is exciting, but make sure you take time to relax so that it doesn’t become too much.