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With the lifting of most coronavirus restrictions in England, on July 19th 2021 life is supposed to return to normal, or as normal as it can do considering we’re still in the midst of a global pandemic. Anyway, don’t you worry about that, if you've been working at home go back to your place of work....but gradually.... You don’t have to socially distance anymore, but try not to get close to those who aren’t in your household. You don’t have to wear a face mask, but you really should in crowded places. You can meet up with your mates but wherever possible do it outside.
Good, I’m glad that’s cleared everything up and
we can all carry on our lives as usual.
Now don’t get me wrong, I personally feel it’s
essential to take our time returning to a supposed normality and I
know I’m not the only one who thinks this. In fact, a recent survey
showed over two thirds of people in the UK thought some form of
restriction should remain in place after July 19th.
You have to ask the question, is it any wonder
people are feeling confused, anxious and fearful when Freedom Day
was originally advertised as a day for mass celebration? Ok, so
there were some with a carefree exuberance who managed to celebrate
by staying up to queue to get into a nightclub which opened at
12.01am on a Monday morning. They were obviously working from home
that day. For others it’s just another day. Some however, will be
suffering from increased levels of anxiety caused by the very act
of lifting restrictions I’ve listed above.
There is good news however, medical research suggests those suffering from coronavirus anxiety will continue to put safety first and adapt a cautious approach helping reduce virus spread. Hmmm I not sure that’s any consolation.
With Coronavirus anxiety and indeed any form of anxiety, it’s really important to appreciate that you are not helpless. There are many small things you can do to help guide you through those anxious times and feelings. Here’s a few to consider.
Focus
on the things you can control
Accept the fact that many will be behave in a
different way to you. Pay attention to the things you can control,
such as continuing to take steps to reduce your own personal risks.
If it feels safer for you to wear a mask in a shop when you don’t
have to, then wear it! You’ll actually be helping others too which
brings its own reward.
Stop the what if’s
Pay attention to the questions you know the
answers to. The strategy of focusing attention on things we don’t
know will only lead to feelings of being overwhelmed and
anxiety.
It’s perfectly natural to worry about something
that may happen, on occasions it helps us to plan for future events
or scenarios. However, recognise when it becomes an obsession. If
necessary, write a list of all the possible solutions to what
you’re concerned about and focus your attention on the things you
can change, rather than those beyond your control. If you double
check your list there will probably only be a couple of things in
your control, which you can plan for. Once done, you can then put
your list to one side safe in the knowledge you’ve done everything
you can.
Stay in touch
The ability to virtually connect to people far
and wide has been a life saver for many during the pandemic. It’s
not always going to be possible to see people face to face so why
stop with the virtual hellos? One important point to note is whist
its always great to have a sympathetic ear or someone you can sound
off to, be careful who you chose. Turn to those people in your life
who are calm, level-headed and good listeners as those who tend to
be negative will only help to fortify the negative feelings you may
be experiencing yourself. Sometimes speaking to someone who doesn’t
know you at all and who can give a completely impartial point of
view can feel like a breath of fresh air.
Look after yourself
Many of us are more than familiar with the local
streets, parks and open spaces having walked them many a time over
the past 18 months. This exercise doesn’t have to stop. In addition
to perhaps your normal classes or sporting activities continue with
the walks, perhaps local and further afield. Fresh air and sunshine
and the very act of being out in nature can help to make us feel
good.
Do the things you enjoy
doing
It can be hard when we’re not feeling at our best
to have the motivation to do the things that bring us pleasure.
Yet, this is exactly what we should be doing to help lift our
spirits and help change our negative thought processes. So walk
those beaches, splash those puddles, read that book or watch that
comedy film. The very thought may be hard to start off with but
rewards can by instant.
Understanding
Recognise you are far from being alone with your
struggles. Understand that many others are struggling in the same
way as you and many many more are on their way or are feeling
massively improved. Very little in this world is permanent, dare I
say it even coronavirus. Things change and so will
you.
Be present
As I mentioned earlier in this article, it’s very
easy to become caught up in what happened yesterday and what you
think may happen in the future. The past can help us learn from
experience, and the future help us plan, but that doesn’t mean to
say we need to live in either tense. If you find yourself
overthinking anchor yourself into the present moment. Meditation is
a great way to achieve this and can help to restore a sense of
balance. Little and often is a good way to start so why not give
this simple 6 minute breathing exercise a
go.
I really hope you ‘ve found some of my tips
useful. If you do need help or advice dealing with anxiety please
don’t hesitate to contact me. Wishing you all well,
Paul.
2b@1 Hypnotherapy offers fast, effective and affordable focused hypnotherapy covering Norwich, Wymondham, Hethersett, Attleborough and surrounding Nofolk areas.
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