Confusion, contradictions, and conflict have ruled the day for well more than a year. It’s tough to know who is speaking the truth. Then suddenly, we’re told to get back to (mostly) normal. Summer is waning but plenty of folks are still feeling apprehensive. Meanwhile, parents are warily eyeing the fall school schedule.
Here’s a tip: It's okay to take things slowly. It’s also okay if you choose to not go back to some of your past activities. Extraordinary circumstances call for extraordinary responses. Everyone’s situation is different. Hence, everyone’s pace should also look different — if they’re prioritizing their mental health.
Why Are We All Feeling So Conflicted?
There are far too many reasons to list but some of the more common themes include:
Lockdown-Induced Social Anxiety
For months and months, we’ve been bombarded with fear. Our entire lives have dramatically shifted. For many people, that has included being alone far more than usual. It’s only natural that these realities would leave us wary of resuming “normal” activities.
Societal Division
As the pandemic progressed, the world around us are a lot more confusing and conflicting. Civil unrest became the norm. Political division rules the day. Distrust feels like it’s at an all-time high. These are hardly ideal conditions for a return to pre-pandemic behavior.
Social Media and Fake News
In a world of clickbait and deep fakes, it is not always easy to discern fact from fiction. When you’re in a state of high alert, it can feel soothing to find a comfort zone and stay in it. This goes for physical and emotional comfort zones. Venturing out might sound daunting just about now.
5 Tips on How to Prioritize Your Mental Health (and Just Say “No”)
Despite the factors outlined above, you can make some changes without jeopardizing your mental health. Here are five suggestions along those lines:
1. Be Patient With Yourself
Take it one day at a time. In such an unusual situation, it’s likely your perspective will fluctuate. Cut yourself some slack. You’re allowed to feel bold one day and low-key the next.
2. Get Excited About Creating New Routines
No one says you have to do things exactly as did prior to March 2020. The world has changed so why not you? Experiment with new routines and approaches. Factor in what you’ve learned in the past year.
3. Practice Saying No and Setting Boundaries
This is your foundation. Only YOU can decide what feels comfortable for you. Don’t allow friends, co-workers, or family members to pressure or guilt you. Get used to saying no when that is what you’re feeling. Set and enforce healthy boundaries. Caring people will respect them.
4. Create Some Balance
Like everyone else, you probably felt stifled during the piecemeal lockdowns. Learn what restrictions do and don’t exist in your state or city and act accordingly. Balance out the apprehension with some fun. Indulge in some of your favorite activities.
5. Prioritize Self-Care, Too
A big part of mental health involves caring for your body. A solid daily self-care regimen will involve some exercise or other physical activity, maintaining regular sleep patterns, and making healthy eating choices.
If You Feel Like You’re Stuck
You are not alone if all this sounds like too much. In fact, you are not alone… period. You can reach out right now to set up a free and confidential therapy consultation. Committing to weekly sessions with a skilled counselor is an ideal way to make all these new transitions. You’ll have a safe space to discuss concerns, strategies, and more. If saying “no” feels like a challenge, why not get some help with that?
Please read more about anxiety treatment and reach out soon for a confidential consultation.
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