Simple Steps to Help You Cope With Post-Lockdown Anxiety
A year into the coronavirus pandemic has had us reacquaint ourselves, our life and the new daily routine affected by external factors.
Working from home made us slow down to re-evaluate who we are and rethink our life’s purpose. This change of pace in life has given us the chance to work on the things that thus far were hugely omitted due to busy schedules.
Many people have enjoyed this newfound way of life, and for others, the return to normal life could not happen quickly. For many, the pandemic has changed their destination and they will be coming out of lockdown with a completely different approach.
Now, after a year of living under lockdown restrictions, we have to readjust our minds to change again. Anxiousness about returning out into the post-lockdown world is real and well documented.
A study commissioned in July 2020 by YourZooki showed that 70% of the UK population gets anxious at the thought of being in busy spaces, and 46% of those working from home have had their mental health affected. I would not hesitate to say it’s even probably bigger than that.
Remember that you’re not alone, and others are as nervous as you about ‘getting back to normal”. No one should be judging you based on how you feel.
Easing back in will take some time, so establishing a different routine may help. Having a solid structure in your life will allow you to manage the daily tasks more efficiently and take out that stressful “I’m out of control!” feeling.
Build your routine around regular meal times. It’s so important to have a designated time for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Eat slowly and focus on the process. Do not mix work with your “off” time.
Making a weekly plan will allow you to free up some “me” time because you will be more organised.
Move your body to show it some self-love. Engage in stretching and flexibility exercises and do not force yourself to do things you can’t yet do. Maybe you saw 1001 ways how to get fitter on Instagram, but most of them won’t work for you, and it’s fine. Experiment and find your own method that’s aligned with your current physical capabilities. Grow steadily to take on more challenging exercises. Set up a series of “dates” to meet yourself at the excise and enjoy the wellness benefits without stressing about the quick wins.
Start journaling to understand yourself better and what it is that you need to do for yourself. My experience and client observations show that journaling opens up our hearts and minds to new things and helps us reminisce about the things we once loved but have somehow forgotten about.
Invite the balance in. Be prepared to have some great days and some low energy days, and when it happens, don’t stress or drown in overthinking. Allow yourself the space to receive and rest on the more arduous days. On the good days, be sure to note how good you feel like a reminder!
Balance and wellbeing is a daily practice that requires patience, love and respect for where you are at the moment. Balance is an even distribution of energy to keep you progressing at a steady pace. When you think of balance, imagine steering your body and mind in the direction of calm, compassion and composure. Balance is not being perfect - it is mindful of each day that you live. When you choose to seek to balance, your wellness journey naturally unfolds.
Appreciate what you have, start looking forward to new adventures in life and acknowledge what you have learned from the pandemic experience.
Ask yourself: what will I take away from this experience?
If you’re an introvert, you would most likely have found this period easier in day-to-day life, and now the post-lockdown world will feel more daunting for you. Make sure you recognise this and nurture yourself as you step into a different process.
You may need to set some boundaries and let people know what you can and can’t manage. Make arrangements to let those around you know what you will do at this stage.
We all missed the everyday things we used to take for granted before the pandemic. Social gatherings, dining out, going to the cinema and other activities were off the menu, but we gained extra time instead. Some people have used it to slow down, learn to appreciate life more and realised how precious it is.
Let’s keep positive about this change and enjoy being reunited with family and friends. Let’s remember all those that won’t be joining us and the sacrifices they have made for us for life to happen again.
I believe that easing ourselves back into public situations gently, slowly, one step at a time will help many reduce post-lockdown anxiety.
How can this be done? What are these simple steps that can help reignite the spark for social life?
Here are some nutrition & wellness tips to gently support your ‘back to normal’ journey:
Start every day away from your devices. Spend 10 minutes to focus on what you would like to achieve that day and visualise how you can do it.
Begin your day with an outdoors activity: a daily walk, a daily take away coffee or juice or a drive to another location (within the permitted distance, of course).
Before breakfast, get your vitamin C shot with water. I love the YourZooki range, which includes easy to use sachets with Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Marine Collagen, Glutathione or Omega 3. I picked up my first ever YourZooki product for vitamin C over 18 months ago. I knew that I had found a genuine product that not only supports my immune system and boosts energy levels but also resonates with my health, lifestyle and holistic approach to wellness. This is a simple way to kick off your morning routine. I would most certainly use YourZooki with water as a refreshing drink or add to my morning smoothie.
Tell yourself that reconnecting is good and healthy for your mental health. Remind yourself of the happy times shared with others during social meetings - either arranged or spontaneous!
Find an “outdoor space” to organise a get together with your family and friends. You don’t have to rush to reintegrate, but the sooner you do it, the better.
Take your time, don't do more than you can handle. Hold on to the thought of positive change. Everything that you have learned in this experience is still with you and will lead you more.
Having nourishing, homemade meals will hugely benefit your body and calm down the anxiety. Use foods such as plant proteins and slow-release carbohydrates like oats and bananas. Incorporate healthy fats like Brazil nuts high in a mineral called selenium which greatly improves mood and reduces stress.
Spread the days and ways you do your activity with others, and it will be less stressful, less overwhelming and anxious.
Eggs are an excellent source of protein; they contain tryptophan - an amino acid that also creates serotonin which helps regulate mood. Add dark leafy greens and all varieties of vegetables and fruit to ensure that your body thrives, and therefore you do too.
My top foods to have in your pantry: Bananas, Avocado, Cucumber, Oatmeal, Almonds, Dates, Salmon, Broccoli, Brown rice, Turmeric, Chamomile tea, Green tea.
Keep all meals simple and unprocessed. Avoid alcohol if you’re feeling anxious, as this can exasperate bad emotions.
YourZooki is a premium British brand, packing their high-quality vitamin supplements in no-nonsense, fuss-free sachets that are pocket friendly, so there is no excuse not to continue to use them while you are out and about.
The brand’s ingredients are highly reputable and sourced ensures us the user can rest assured that we will see and feel and feel the difference of each product used.
Each product from the classic yet cult vitamin C to the newly anticipated highly beneficial vitamin D dose! Used as individual sachets or in a combination depending on your individual needs and desired outcome all of the range stands out as a phenomenon wellness brand.
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