How To Cope With Crowds
Although social distancing has been a challenge for many people, it’s been a godsend for others, particularly introverts. Over time, many of us have become used to social isolation, and the quiet time we used to crave so much has become the norm. Getting back into crowded cafes and shopping centers could be filling you with dread, particularly since COVID hasn’t gone anywhere.
- Reconsider who you spend time with. If you haven’t actually “missed” anyone during the lockdown, don’t force yourself to spend time with them after.
- Don’t start saying yes to everything. If you felt as though you had to say yes to every invite before the pandemic, and it filled you with dread, take stock now. Feel free to be choosy. If you can only manage one social event a week, just do that.
- Schedule time alone. This is crucial. You’ve just spent months locked up inside, without any or many people around you. It’s imperative that you spend some time on your own. 30 minutes a day is ideal if that’s all you can manage.
- Know when to leave. If you’re out for dinner with friends and you’re starting to feel tired or drained, go home. If you are having problems focusing in a meeting at the office, take a walk if you can.
Avid Slipping Back into Old Habits
The most important thing is that if you weren’t happy with life BEFORE lockdown, don’t let yourself get back into those old habits. Undoubtedly, pre-lockdown life was stressful – combining work with social life, kids and sports, and everything in between can be hectic. Take a moment to think about what you really want to be doing with your time when you start to get normalcy back – and only focus on those things.
Don’t be afraid to say no, including to your kids if you feel as though they are committing to too many sports and social activities. And feel free to remain socially distanced from people at events if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the numbers. Some sporting events can have hundreds of parents and children on the sidelines and, if you’ve spent months in isolation at home, this can be quite daunting.
The most important thing to remember is that although life may be going back to a new type of normal – it doesn’t mean you have to do everything you were doing before lockdown. If you want to enjoy isolation for a little longer, do it. And if you need any help getting back out there into the public, feel free to give us a call and we’ll help you get there.