Life after Lockdown
After 12 months of lockdowns, quarantines and isolation, there is finally a light at the end of the tunnel with July 19th listed as the sacred day when lockdowns lift, and you can be within 6ft of another person! But after a whole year of adjustment to limited social contact, studying and working from home and baking lots and lots of banana bread, what comes next? We’ve put together some things to keep in mind for when life returns to the ‘old normal’…
1) Take your time!
It’s easy to feel like you need to rush into making the most of life post COVID, but don’t underestimate what a challenge the past year has been – It can be daunting to think about meeting new people in workplace or educational settings after a full year of only socializing with your mum and your cat! If you want to dip your toes into getting back out there – that’s fine! Go at your own pace and don’t let anyone rush you, it’s been a funny old year, and everyone reacts and adapts differently, that’s what makes society so wonderful!
2) Reflection is key!
Whilst this past year has been one, we’d all like to forget, it’s important to look at what you’ve achieved and the kindness the world has shown over the past 12 months. The resilience of human beings is incredible – When the odds are stacked against us, we still manage to prosper! From Zoom quizzes to Captain Tom raising millions for our wonderful NHS, there has been so much to be proud of from the general public and the lessons we’ve learnt from this year will last a lifetime. Be kind to yourself – You’ve lived through a once in a lifetime GLOBAL PANDEMIC – and you’re still here, surviving and thriving!
3) Say yes!
It’s important to remember point number 1 and take your time easing back to normal life, but we’d encourage everyone to challenge yourself to say yes more! So many things were taken from us during the pandemic and now, as things return to normal, don’t forget how difficult it was to be so restricted! Life happens outside of your comfort zone and now is the perfect opportunity, whilst still ruminating the nostalgia of lockdown to grab life by the horns and go to the festival! Apply for that job! Live your life!
4) Reconnect!
One of the hardest parts of lockdown has been isolation from family and friends, whilst video calls and window visits have been an adequate substitute, nothing compares to the real thing of giving your loved ones a great big hug! The power of human connection is wonderful and be mindful to reach out to those who you’ve missed, those that have had tougher lockdown experiences than you, those who have lost those close to them – Never underestimate the power of a good cup of tea, a listening ear and a great big bear hug!