Lifestyle Changes after COVID 19 – Most Americans seem to be extremely eager to regain some sense of normalcy in the shadow of the coronavirus pandemic. Many are willingly returning to their offices for work; some are optimistically going out to lunch and dinner at their favorite restaurants; and still others are excitedly shopping in person again after more than a year of intermittent isolation due to fear of COVID-19. But even as the number of coronavirus cases continues to fall and the number of COVID-19 vaccinations continues to rise, many people are struggling with the idea of getting back to normal.
We have been stuck at an intense level of stress since the start of the pandemic, resulting in feelings such as being more tired, sad, and irritable than normal, and just generally worried and worn out—we are emotionally exhausted. And unfortunately, we likely will continue to suffer these same feelings, just with less social isolation as we return to the workplace and businesses reopen, while the threat of COVID-19 fades more and more. Even as we see increased vaccinations and decreased fear of the coronavirus and COVID-19, many people remain stressed and anxious, carrying those feelings over as they try making the shift back to a pre-pandemic existence.
Though there is great hope on the horizon, we still are not sure what the future will hold. Transitions are always difficult for human beings because all changes have elements of both unpredictability and uncontrollability that cause us to feel uncertain. That thread of uncertainty, however thin, inspires continued stress and anxiety in many of us. If you are experiencing excessive discomfort and anxiety about making the shift from the COVID times by going out in public spaces and resuming a social life again, whether for work or other activities, know that there are ways to help ease the transition. Here are three constructive things you can do on your own that might help you get back to normal in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
#1 TIMING IS EVERYTHING
First, take your time. There is no hurry to return to a pre-COVID lifestyle in most cases, so making the transition can be slow and easy. For instance, maybe you can return to in-person work gradually—if you’ve been working at home, you might be able to start by using a hybrid schedule with a few days at home and a few at the office; or work half days rather than full days at the office. Consider easing slowly back into your pre-pandemic lifestyle if you have that option. Giving yourself the time you need to adjust is key to maintaining a sense of calm as you take steps towards getting back to normal.
#2 THE POWER OF POSITIVE THINKING
Secondly, focus on the positives of returning to your pre-pandemic life. Think about the benefits of resuming a routine, whether that means returning to work outside of your home or going grocery shopping in person every week; it may help you be more productive than you might have been while sequestered at home. Also, consider the positive impact of strengthening or rebuilding your relationships—you can look forward to spending time with friends and family with whom you might have had limited interactions. There is power in positive thinking: it can help you manage your stress and anxiety more effectively.
#3 EMBRACE THE CHAOS
Thirdly, try to embrace the transition, regardless of the awkwardness surrounding it. The transition away from a more restricted environment to a less restricted environment is going to be traumatic at worst and uncomfortable at best for many people, even though it is going to come with positive circumstances. After more than a year of isolation, uneasiness is bound to be a factor as we try to get back to normal. You might feel apprehensive in social situations that never inspired that feeling before. Just remember that you do not have to participate in every social event or activity, and that you can bail early if you get overwhelmed during any you do choose to undertake. And take your apprehension in stride as you try to adjust—it should subside more and more as you increase the amount of time you spend socializing, and as your comfort level grows.
As the world begins looking at COVID-19 in its rearview, and you start trying to find your footing again, pay attention to the physical and mental cues you might experience. Finding and using coping mechanisms such as meditation, yoga, and therapy to address any anxiety you have about getting back to normal after such a long period of isolation is important to your overall health and well-being. If you find you cannot work through your anxiety on your own, consider seeking help from a professional to get out from under the weight and worry of it. The sooner you start to manage your feelings (and get professional help if needed), the sooner you will start feeling better.
Modern MD, PLLC is the health and wellness family practice of Dr. Patricia Lopez-Po, MD, serving communities in El Paso, Texas, and New Mexico. At her family medical center located on the west side of El Paso, and via home visits, Dr. Lopez-Po takes a holistic approach towards patient treatment. She aims to provide the best possible comprehensive care her patients need, offering a variety of services including primary care treatment, home wellness visits, mobile medicine services, aesthetic and cosmetic procedures such as dermal fillers (e.g., Botox), and much more. If you are seeking whole-patient health and wellness care for yourself or a family member, one of the best doctors to call in the El Paso area is Dr. Lopez-Po at Modern MD. Dr. Lopez-Po welcomes active duty military members and veterans. She takes most insurance, but she also offers flexible payment options to her patients. Contact her online or call 915-228-3008 today to schedule an appointment to discuss (in English or Spanish) your health and wellness needs.