Post Quarantine Re-Entry Anxiety

 

By Carolina Moxley, AMFT

Are you experiencing concerns or mixed feelings about reintegration post quarantine? YOU ARE NOT ALONE! Our counselors will be hosting a safe space for students to explore feelings and challenges around re-integrating and reconnecting socially post pandemic on Wednesday, July 14, 3pm-4pm. 

Email cmoxley@miracosta.edu for Zoom link and/or check out some of Carolina's great advice here:

Start Slow

If you feel pressured to resume the busy schedule or level of productivity that you had pre-pandemic, realize that it will take time for your nervous system to adjust to a faster pace of life. Even when we desire to socialize or work more, it's normal for us to feel exhausted by any drastic increase in activity and environmental stimuli.

When possible, give yourself permission to ease back into social engagement little by little. This may mean having shorter or fewer outings if you're feeling overwhelmed. It may mean socializing with only 1 or 2 friends at a time. If you are sensitive to noise, lights, and movement, select outings with less environmental stimuli. For instance, plan a picnic with friends instead of meeting up in a busy restaurant.

Embrace a Transition Period

Know that it is completely normal to feel anxiety about life suddenly moving at a faster pace. You may feel thrilled to reconnect with loved ones and resume some cherished activities AND at the same time you may feel exhausted and overwhelmed by the increased demands this makes on your attention and energy levels. Know that, little by little, your nervous system will adjust to more social activity and that nothing is wrong with you if this process is gradual over the coming months.

Make time for activities that soothe you after increased social activity, such as walks on the beach, knitting, reading, meditating, praying, coloring, watching funny movies, or cuddling a pet.

Find Support

Many of us were already dealing with anxiety pre-pandemic, and the thought of life returning to being so fast paced can bring up a lot of resistance and fear.

Some people will be more supportive and understanding than others, so be mindful of whom you reach out to for support. Seek out friends and family members who validate your feelings and accept you where you are during this transition period.

If you feel you would like more guidance on managing re-entry anxiety, reach out for professional support from a mental health counselor. This transition period can be a great time for all of us to re-evaluate how we prefer to live our lives.

Be Curious about Joy

Be curious about what brings you joy at this time. Don’t be surprised if it’s somewhat different from that which brought you joy prior to the pandemic. You’ve experienced so many changes over the last 12-18 months that have undoubtedly impacted you. Are you now enjoying more one-on-one time, small get-togethers, or large gatherings? Are you finding more joy in movement, nature, creativity, spiritual pursuits, or in simply being playful?

Exercise: Begin keeping a daily journal where you describe 3 things that brought you joy each day and why, and/or make a photo journal with 3 daily photos of 3 that brought you joy throughout your day and talk about tell someone about it.

Reflect on Your Values and Priorities

This transition period is a great time to reflect on how you’ve changed over the last 12-18 months. Have you noticed any changes in your values and priorities? For instance, are you valuing social connections more? Or are you valuing living a slower-paced and more mindful life more than before? Take time to reflect on what you have learned about yourself and what you truly value in life. Ask yourself how you can begin to embody these new priorities. What's one step you can take today to honor these values?

Practice Compassion

Try being compassionate with yourself and with others during this transition period. Realize that we have all experienced collective trauma as a result of this pandemic. Some of us have experienced more trauma and grief than others, for instance, the death of one or more loved ones, job loss, divorce, or mental and physical health challenges which were exacerbated by this pandemic.

If you came out of this period relatively unscathed, then consider helping others who were less privileged, even if that means just being more patient and present with them. Try practicing compassionate listening when people share their struggles with you.

If you feel you would like more guidance on managing re-entry anxiety, reach out for professional support from one of our mental health counselors. This transition period can be a great time for all of us to re-evaluate how we prefer to live our lives and cope with the trauma in healthy and authentic ways. Contact us today to make an appointment!