Ease Your Reentry Anxiety With These Strategies

by Jennifer Scott

Ease Your Reentry Anxiety With These Strategies
 
Your life and routines have been unusual for quite some time, and it likely feels daunting to reenter society at a pre-pandemic pace. Reports show that one in five Australians are experiencing high levels of anxiety and distress. Getting back to normal requires you to face many sudden changes to your current habits. It is normal to feel stress about tackling even more adjustments to your life, but there are ways to make the process easier.
 
Make a List of Activities You Enjoy
Take some time to think about the experiences you missed when you had to stay at home. Write down things you are looking forward to doing again. Consider simple events like going to the hair salon, visiting the dentist or having coffee with a friend. Start with the small milestones and routine appointments, and then work your way into more involved happenings.
 
Focus On Caring for Yourself
Anxiety often stems from uncertainty. You can reframe your mindset by reminding yourself that many things are within your control. Invest time and energy into practices that support and improve your overall well-being.

• Begin a new fitness routine
• Try daily meditation or gratitude practices
• Do yoga to center your mind and body
• Stock your home with nutritious foods
• Schedule relaxation time
• Chat about your day with a close friend or family member
• Minimize your obligations until you feel more prepared to meet them

 
Consider a Career Change
You have had considerable time to think about how your work choices affect your quality of life. If going back to your previous line of work feels overwhelming or harmful to your physical or mental health, consider making a career change. Take steps to start the job path that provides more balance for you.
 
Build Your Confidence
Now is an excellent time to tackle something on your wish list. For example, if you have wanted straighter teeth for a while now, make an appointment to begin aligner treatment. If you only have mild to moderate alignment issues, you can get at-home aligners that will gradually move your teeth into place. Straighter teeth give you the confidence to go into society with a smile.
 
Straight teeth also have the added benefit of improving your dental health. Misaligned teeth are difficult to clean, resulting in plaque and bacteria buildup. Aligner treatments make it easier to brush and floss your teeth effectively. If you do not want to wear aligners at work, you may opt for nighttime-only treatments. Aligner companies like Byte offer this choice. Keep in mind that a nighttime-only method may prolong treatment time.
 
Seek Professional Help When You Need It
The pandemic forced you to make sudden changes to your life. If you are experiencing severe anxiety thinking about another upheaval now that the world is opening up again, you may want to meet with a mental health professional. Engaging in therapy sessions with a counselor such as Colibri Psychotherapy can help you manage your stress by giving you coping techniques, evidence-based advice, and a safe outlet to discuss your worries.
 
Be Compassionate With Yourself
Accept what you are feeling. Understand that your concerns are a normal response to recent events. Remind yourself of times you overcame anxiety in the past. Ask yourself if you imagine a worst-case scenario and accept that you do not have to return to everything in your pre-pandemic life.
 
Facing changes is never easy. Returning to normalcy may require baby-stepping your way back into the world. Be patient with yourself and address things you can control to feel confident and prepared to re-enter society. 
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