Managing Re-Entry Anxiety After Lockdown
Yes there is actually a word for it - "Re-Entry Anxiety"
I have many clients at the moment who are experiencing that feeling of anxiety about socialising and returning to work after an extended lockdown.
They are feeling anxiety about going back to work as well as socialising.
It’s normal.
Home is where we have felt safe for such a long time. And we found a new normal.
Working from home meant that some of us didn’t have to dress in work clothes, spend time commuting and have to interact with people face to face.
Being isolated at home has also meant that for people they have lost practice engaging in social activities. The thought of going out to catch up wth friends can be daunting.
A client recently said:
“I have to think about what to wear, put make up on, wear uncomfortable heels, book a ride, get some wine on the way, face a room full of people and make small talk…the list is daunting and I am exhausted thinking about it”.
This person is very excited about catching up with friends and she feels silly thinking these thoughts and was giving herself a hard time for feeling like this.
My response:
Go easy on yourself.
Be kind to yourself.
Be kind to others.
This IS a big step after so long.
If you were training for a 5 km run you wouldn’t go straight out and run it - you would build up to it.
Build up to these events.
Go home when you need to.
Say no when you need to.
You could also do the Anxiety Remover Exercise below when the timing is right for you.
Bring to mind something you've been worrying about.
Imagine what you want to have happen instead of the thing you were worrying about. If you were worrying about socialising, then imagine it being fun and engaging and giving you lots of energy. If you were worrying about going back to work, then notice yourself in flow as you get back to work, in your work space, exchanging friendly banter and powering through your work.
Take yourself out into your future to at least one hour after the successful completion of that event; so you arrive home after socialising and from a work day feeling happy, engaged and full of energy.
Check in from there and ask yourself:
“Where’s the worry? Is it there or is it gone now?”
Then ask yourself:
“What’s there instead?” Peace? Happiness? Joy?
Bring that back with you and hold it in your body for as long as you want.
Maybe all day. Or all week. Or for as long as you would like.
Take care and please go easy on yourself and respect and honour whatever you are feeling.
I hope this helps.
Carol