Living with Covid as the New Normal
For many of us, the easing of lockdown restrictions this summer brought longed-for opportunities – to see friends, play sports, resume contact with family in ‘real space’ or get back to work that we value
Just as it took us time to find ways of coping during lockdown, we should also expect that it will take time to find our way back, and to reconnect with life. There are many who are very concerned about the prospect of ‘living with Covid’ and being out of lockdown when debate is still live about the science supporting it.
Finding routines, staying connected, eating well, and taking exercise apply just as much now as they did at the start of lockdown – arguably even more so as we remain in a period of high stress but with more demands on us.
Recognising that you need to go at the right pace for you. Don’t let others bully or pressure you into doing things you don’t want to – but try not to let that be an excuse not to push yourself, especially when it comes to reconnecting with friends safely and the time is also right for you.
It can be hard to let others move forward without you – maybe your child wants to see friends or needs to return to work, but you can’t. It’s important to discuss concerns with those close to you, but also to allow other people space to move at their own pace.
Now its possible to have a social life again some of us are desperate to do so – but others are still nervous about doing so and going back into clubs and public, crowded spaces – or unable to do so because of their situations. If you are part of a social group doing an activity together, try and plan ways for people who aren’t ready for face to face meetings to still take part.
We may have become comfortable in our own space and with our own company in lockdown – it’s been intense in all sorts of ways and we might really have to push ourselves to reconnect with people and overcome initial awkwardness. Whether it’s feeling uncomfortable not wearing a mask anymore, or feeling odd to suddenly see people in large groups again, take things at your own pace. Even if government advice is to no longer socially distance, or to wear a mask, you can decide on what suits you best.
That also goes for our children’s friendships – many children have been desperate to see friends, but all families are making sense of the changes. Going back to school will bring new pressures and it’s important to make an extra effort to support our children getting back into the school routine and picking up friendships.
