With all U.S. adults now eligible for their COVID-19 vaccine, we’re closer to “returning to normal” than we’ve been in over a year. But that’s a big change—and change can be stressful.
According to the American Psychological Association, nearly half of Americans say they feel uneasy thinking about in-person interaction once the pandemic ends. If you’re feeling nervous or anxious about reentering social spaces after a year of social distancing, you’re not alone.
Why Am I Feeling Stressed About Re-Entry Post-Pandemic?
Psychologists say that change of any kind can cause stress and anxiety, even positive changes. Last year we faced a changing world, one that required us to adjust our habits, stay home and stay isolated in order to keep ourselves and our families safe. Now, we’re used to the idea of isolation equating to safety, so it's natural that our minds and bodies would need some time to readjust to what was normal before the pandemic.
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected our mental health in a number of ways, and feeling stress over re-entry is completely normal. This might include stress over going back to work at your office five days a week or stress over your kid’s safety in the classroom. Re-entry stress can also feel like overwhelm or apprehension when it comes to planning travel or summer activities with friends and family.
No matter the reason for your stress, there are some important strategies that we can all use to manage feelings of anxiety as we re-enter the world, post lockdown.
Make a plan with your pod.
Start small and take your time.
Focus on what you’re excited about doing.
Practice self-care and use tools to help keep your cool.
Herbal allies like Hemp, chamomile, lavender and lemon balm (an amazing plant that packs a powerful punch in our stress STIK!) are delicious additions to your routine that can help reduce anxiety and calm the mind instantly. We love to stir a Fast-Acting Hemp Wellness stress STIK into a cold glass of water, or brew iced tea from fresh organic herbs.
Get support from a mental health professional.
Stress shows up differently for everyone, so everyone will require different solutions. It’s important to try out different stress management techniques in order to find the one that feels best for you!
And just remember, that no matter how anxious returning to society after the pandemic may feel, you’re not alone. You survived the stress of an entire year of pandemic lockdown, so be kind to yourself and have compassion.
