Coronavirus and Feelings of Anxiety. Feel More Comfortable in Your Community with These Simple Tips
With new guidelines being introduced every few weeks, and lockdown beginning to ease, it’s encouraging to know that everyone is eager to return to a sense of normality.
But while some of us are heading back to work, and we’re soon going to be able to get our haircut and visit our favorite restaurants, it’s difficult to ignore the rising sense of fear and anxiety that comes with going out.
Whether you’ve been shielding throughout the pandemic, you’ve avoided going to the shops, walking in public places, or going further than the end of your road, then the idea of your community opening up again is enough to fill you with dread.
So, how can you combat these feelings of anxiety? And still, keep yourself safe from coronavirus?
Here we’ll take a look at how you can feel comfortable in your community with these simple tips.
Personal protection
If you are protected, the more relaxed you’re going to feel.
Face masks are required on public transport, but you’re also free to wear them anywhere you believe they might be required.
You can purchase customised face coverings from safetystock here, just click the link.
Disposable gloves can also be worn, however, hand washing regularly is just as effective.
If hand washing facilities aren’t available, take along a travel bottle of hand sanitizer to keep on top of your hand hygiene.
Talk
Often, voicing our concerns to someone we love can help us to manage them.
If you’re feeling particularly vulnerable, then reach out to friends and family who may be able to put your mind at ease or even accompany you into public areas where you’re feeling the most vulnerable.
Focus on the things you can control
We often feel anxiety and panic because we feel that we’re losing control.
So, if easing of lockdown restrictions leaves you feeling panicked and stressed, or you’re frustrated that not everyone is adhering to the rules, try to focus on what you can control.
Maintain the correct distance from others, avoid dangerously busy places (like the beach, lakeside, etc), or consider shopping at quieter times of the day.
Take baby steps
No one is expecting you to go from spending most of your time at home to sunning yourself on the beach surrounded by hundreds of other people.
If you’re really concerned and your anxiety levels are making it difficult to cope, consider taking baby steps instead.
Reintroduce a few of the “normal” things back into your life, slowly.
Getting a takeaway coffee from your favorite coffee shop, walking through town, enjoying a picnic outside, or meeting with friends – at a safe distance of course.
Take care of yourself
Continue to take care of yourself. Eat well, stay hydrated, and do the things you enjoy at home.
Consider reducing the amount of exposure you have to social media and the news, this will only make your feelings worse.
Final thoughts…
Remember, we’re living in unprecedented times, so there really is no right or wrong way to feel about lockdown restrictions easing.
All feelings are valid. Over time, you may find over time that your feelings change.
