7 Things to Remember as You Find Your "New Normal"
Whether we like it or not, the UK is now significantly easing out of lockdown. For many, the last six months have been riddled with anxiety and loss; some are grieving loved ones, others mourn relationships and jobs. 2020 has either diluted or distilled our personal lives, bringing them to a halt or putting them in a pressure cooker. You might be excited, apprehensive or downright terrified to resume any semblance of pre-lockdown life – however you’re feeling, here are a few things to bear in mind as we begin that transition.
1. It’s okay to take it slow.
While some people are busting to get back into beer gardens, head into the office and hit the “play” button, it’s absolutely okay to feel more tentative. If you’re a little anxious about making and committing to plans, especially after such a long period of uncertainty, just take things one day at a time. There’s no “normal” way to cope with this situation, so do what you’re comfortable with; good friends will respect your boundaries.
2. Lockdown was different for everyone.
None of us can really know what someone else has experienced during the last few months. Some have spent the duration alone or moved back home to be with family, while others might have struggled with partners, or enjoyed spending time with housemates. Most of us have been through incredulity, denial, monotony and the rest, but don’t assume to know how difficult or easy other people have had it during this time.
3. Wear a damn mask.
A simple but potentially life-saving instruction. They’re compulsory on public transport, in shops and takeaways in England, and they could be for a long time. Find a face covering you feel comfortable in and try to get into the habit – one in your car, every coat pocket and handbag – you get it. Pro tip: you don’t need to wash reusable masks at 60 degrees each time to sterilise them, ironing has the same effect!
4. You don’t have to go back to how things were.
Having so much time for introspection might have caused you to realise that you weren’t actually very happy before the pandemic. Maybe you were doing too much or too little, making time for the wrong people or habits. Before you rush backwards into 2019, have a think about what’s most important to you – do you need more time for yourself? Have you enjoyed cooking more often, or having evenings at home? There’s no need to give these things up.
5. Other people might not be ready.
We’re all emerging from our respective hermit shells at different rates – especially those who are, or who live with, vulnerable people. If your family and friends aren’t ready to eat out just yet, you need to make peace with that – however much Rishi promises to knock off the bill!
6. We have all been through trauma.
The landscape of our lives has changed drastically this year. Our daily routines were pared back until only the essential functions remained. While for some, this has provided a valuable period of reflection, it’s sure to cause some existential dread. This has been a traumatic experience and, for much of the world, it continues. Be gentle with yourself and other people – we have no idea what the lasting effect of a disaster like this will be on our minds.
7. Hang on to your community.
Despite the dire circumstances, the pandemic has seen communities pull together in spectacular ways: rallying for brilliant and vital causes like Black Lives Matter, but also caring for the elderly and isolated, as well as supporting small businesses and the arts. Ideally, our government wouldn’t rely on a 100-year-old veteran doing laps of his garden to fund public health services, but the spirit of generosity has been overwhelming to behold. Hang on to that spirit – it might just get us through the rest of it.
We’ve lived through an extraordinary period of upheaval, and you’re doing so well just by being here. If you’re struggling with your mental health, there are any number of free services you can reach out to, like Leeds Samaritans, Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust and Leeds Mind.
Cover image by the extremely talented Emmy Lupin.
