As more and more of us start to get vaccinated, we have slowly started to move towards what our lives were like before the pandemic. But after being isolated for so long, normal social settings may seem so far removed for some of us that going back to them can be a draining and difficult process. While we transition back, it is incredibly important that we remember to take care of our mental health so that we don’t get too drained too quickly.
How do we navigate normal life after being quarantined for so long? How do we ease back not only in terms of our safety with COVID-19, but also in terms of mental health? Read on for a few tips I’ve found to help.
- Don’t Rush: After we’ve all been stuck at home and isolated for a while, it can be easy to want to do as much socializing as possible and go out as much as possible. It’s like overconsumption, except with social settings and events instead of material things. But it’s important to remember that too much socialization in a short time frame can make you burnt out socially. You have to be careful not to rush, and to ease into social settings instead. Figure out how much socializing you can take before you feel overwhelmed and need alone-time, and know that it is okay if you can’t handle as much socialization as you could before the pandemic. You’ll eventually get there, even if it is a long process.
- It’s Okay to Take Breaks: In addition to not rushing, you have to also be okay with taking breaks. If you begin to feel tired while going out or socializing, try to find a quiet space where you can be alone for a moment and take a break. Even a few minutes of a break or of alone-time can help you feel recharged and more energized. Breaks could also mean turning down an event or outing to take some time for yourself. It depends on how long of a break you need, and that is up to you to decide. Breaks look different for everybody.
- Relearn Your Boundaries: The most important tip is to know how much socialization is right for you, and this is your boundary. The “right” amount of socialization varies from person to person because it really depends on your personality and a number of other things. No matter what, it is an amount that makes you feel happy and calm rather than overwhelmed. Whatever that amount is for you, you shouldn’t exceed it. Before the pandemic, we all had an awareness of what that boundary looked like, whether it was a conscious or an unconscious awareness. But since many of us have not had much social interaction in over a year, we may need to “relearn” those boundaries. It will take time, self-awareness, and a lot of trial and error to do so. It won’t happen automatically for most of us, so don’t worry if relearning those boundaries feels like a long process. It will happen eventually.
All in all, make sure to prioritize your mental health however this may look for you. If you can do that, going back to “normal” won’t be as draining or daunting as it may seem. Hope this helps!