With the restrictions being lifted slowly, this may for some of us, feel like an exciting time. The gradual easing of lockdown means all the things we have been waiting for may soon happen. Like seeing family, friends, getting back to work and have some normal routines back. However, for some of us, this change could cause anxiety and affect our daily mental health. It doesn’t mean we don’t want to do all those things, it's just that the unknown can be a bit scary and make us feel apprehensive, especially when the news still changes daily and are faced with an uncertain future, but hope is on the way.
Here are some tips on dealing with the lockdown ending and how to help manage your mental health.
REMEMBER THAT YOU CAN’T CONTROL EVERYTHING
There are still a lot of unknowns with the COVID-19 pandemic and this can cause a great deal of anxiety for us. Worrying is manifesting something that you do not want to happen, so try to only think about the things that you can control and make a plan on how to manage them and try to stay present in the moment daily to curb your anxiety. Focusing on your breath for a mear 30 seconds can change your perspective.
TAKE SMALL STEPS
Don’t feel pressured to go any faster than what you are comfortable with. If people are putting pressure on you to do things that you do not want to do, then explain your concerns to them. Everyone’s reaction and way of dealing with the pandemic is different. What is safe for them, may not feel safe for you. And that’s ok.
SWITCH UP YOUR ROUTINES
If you have found yourself getting into a lockdown routine (and many of us have!) try and change it up. Routines give a feeling of safety and it may be hard to begin a new routine, but is essential for our return towards a fullfilling life- go slow, but still go.
FOCUS ON WHAT’S HAPPENING TODAY
Try not to spend too much time worrying about what the future looks like or what happened in the past, instead focus on what is happening today and take those baby steps- maybe a trip to your favourite store for 20 min. and make sure to follow all of the precautionary measures in place, retail therapy is what i am looking forward to, but in very small chunks.
AND REMEMBER TO GO TO YOGA
Yoga is a great way to promote mindfulness and create peace not only in the body, but the mind. We also return to our amazing supportive community and friends. This support is great on our quest to return to a bit of normality.
Our classes and trainings will still be limited in numbers and we have all health requirements in place. We look forward to seeing you all on the mat, in person, once again. But, for those wishing to continue on line, that option is still available to you.
