Checking in 

Fifteen months into the pandemic, things are slowly returning to normal. More people are eating out at restaurants, many are traveling, and things are going back to pre-COVID times.

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Understandably, the excitement of getting back outside and socializing with old friends and new is overwhelming but it’s especially important that during these times that you check in with yourself. 

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Here are some tips to help you refocus and take care of yourself. 

1. Navigate your feelings: Whether it’s confusion, excitement, or frustration, navigate your feelings and put them down on paper or think about your feelings. Label your emotions if it helps you work through your thoughts and feelings. Avoid possible distractions (movies, tv shows, or texting) and simmer in your own thoughts. 
2. Spend time with yourself and your thoughts: Despite the overwhelming excitement of being able to reconnect with family and friends, it is just as important to take time for yourself. Some of us are transitioning out of a very long period of minimal social interaction and it may help to slowly ease back into the social scene. Whether it’s watching a movie alone, blasting your favorite playlist, or treating yourself to a spa day, take some time out of the day to focus on  yourself. 
3. Be kind to yourself: There is no need for you to be hard on yourself. Remind yourself of all that you’ve accomplished (even if it’s just getting a good night’s sleep the night before) and be gentle with yourself. You lived through a global pandemic — something that will be taught in history class in the future. It’s a big deal. Recognize that, and pat yourself on the back. You’ve come so far. 
4. Hydrate and take care of your body: It’s just as important to take care of our physical health as our mental health. Extreme heat and higher temperatures have been tied to more aggressive behaviors and uncomfortable feelings — keep yourself hydrated and stay cool during this heat wave (Lynott et al., 2017).

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Take it Slow 

While many are excited about the return to normalcy, it’s just as important to realize that not everyone may be head over heels at the thought of having to attend social events or returning to work in person. Everyone is readjusting at their own pace, and there is absolutely no reason to put yourself in an uncomfortable or stressful situation. Take it slow, and ease yourself back into the social scene. There is no need to jump right back in. 

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Focus on You 

Focus on yourself for a minute. What have you been doing for yourself? Not just something you did because it was expected of you, but something you did because you wanted to. The fast paced environment that we often find ourselves in often makes it hard to discern the things we do on autopilot and the things we do out of genuine interest and love for ourselves. Take a moment to stop and think about how you feel. About what you want. Honoring your own thoughts and needs is the best form of self-care.