The challenges that went hand-in-hand with lockdown may have gone away after the nationwide restrictions on staying safe at home were lifted.
But for many of us, the prospect of going back to life in the new normal presents many more obstacles.
The security of home is something so many of us have relied on in past months, and as rules ease and restrictions are slowly lifted, anxiety levels are rising.
Adjusting to life after lockdown isn’t easy, there are, however, several steps you can take to make the transition a little smoother.
Go easy on yourself
Getting back to normal life is a marathon, not a sprint, so don’t be too hard on yourself during this uncertain and challenging time. Anxiety UK offers some great advice on being kind to yourself during the transition to your new normal:
“So if you are one of those people that are worrying already that you’re not going to be able to go back to how things were before or you are worried about the effects of things returning to how they were, then remember to be gentle and kind to yourself and to show yourself some self-compassion.
Understand that it’s going to take some time to readjust to life following lockdown just as it took time to adjust to lockdown and that doing this in a slow, step-by-step manner, just like a phased return to work adjustment in the workplace, might be just what you need in your personal life too.”
Take each day as it comes, and prioritise self-awareness and compassion to understand that mixture of emotions you’re certain to be feeling right now.
Take the positives that you’ve come to appreciate during lockdown into your new normal whilst using the new, relaxed rules and restrictions to add more structure to your day.
Talk it out
One of the upsides of coming out of lockdown is that you can socialise in person with family and friends once again.
While social distancing and other measures should be strictly observed, speaking to someone you trust, and sharing any fears or concerns you may have about the current state of things is vital for successful adjustment.
You’ll probably find that your family members and friends are experiencing similar emotions, which will help you feel understood and supported.
Follow the rules
Staying safe and minimising the risk of Covid-19 transmission should be a priority for everyone at the moment and will, in turn, form an integral part of your new normal.
Arming yourself with trustworthy information will ensure you’re doing all you can to stay safe and ultimately put your mind at ease.
There’s a lot of misinformation out there so stick to reading evidence-based government resources when seeking guidance and support.
Get out there slowly
Getting back outside too quickly could lead to sensory overload. It takes time to get back into the swing of things.
Plan to reintroduce the things you love back into your life, starting with the simple pleasures. Head out on a few socially distanced walks before braving a day-long outing with the family, and then progress to spending some time away from home – you deserve it!
Booking a staycation is a great way to kick start your love of travelling once you’re ready. With countless UK based staycation destinations to explore you don’t have to travel far to experience something new and exciting.
Our staycation package unlocks fantastic luxury accommodation in the heart of one of the most enchanting cities in the UK. Our Cambridge city breaks can be booked with discounts of over 50%.
You can even book now and stay later to give yourself something to work towards and look forward to in the not-so-distant future.
Book your city break today, stay safe and staycation in style post-lockdown. In the meantime, get excited about your upcoming city break by devising your very own Cambridge bucket list.
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