Taking Care of Yourself is Critical as We Transition from COVID-19 Quarantine to Gradual Reopening

Transitions are often challenging. Stressful life events include both positive and negative changes. In my experience, not everyone is having equal difficulty adjusting to the “new normal.” Introverted people, those with social anxiety, and many others are using this time to regroup and may be enjoying more time with their family and pets and alone time. Some are experiencing a new sense of calm that comes with reduced pressure from a set routine and no longer having to deal with a bus or train schedule, a crowded subway commute, or navigating morning traffic.

While many may feel relieved when their workplace reopens, others may feel anxious about going back to their old routine while observing new rules about social distancing and masks, or they may have a fear of contracting COVID-19. If you are feeling anxious right now, you are not alone, and it is okay and understandable to have ambivalent feelings about both quarantine and the idea of reopening. This Web MD article discusses some precautions to take when returning to work.

Many workplaces may be amenable to negotiating work-from-home days even after your city/town/suburb begins to reopen. It is at least worth discussing it with them. It is important to take care of yourself first. The metaphor of putting on our own oxygen masks first before helping others is especially applicable during times of transition.

There is likely going to be a middle stage for a while. People will no longer be as isolated, but there may not be a “going back to normal” for a long time. This middle space will also require an adjustment and patience, just like quarantine did. There may be a sense of loss of control, uncertainty, grief, and impatience. Please be kind to yourself during this time. Self-compassion will help lead to patience with others as there will inevitably be people who are not as mindful of masks and space as you are.

Here is another helpful article from the Philadelphia Inquirer that discusses ways to cope with the world beginning to reopen again.

Besides the physical change of wearing masks and social distancing, there will be emotional adjustments, as well. Many activities or events you used to enjoy will not be possible yet. There has been a sense of unrest both because of the virus and the political and social climate. (I will be addressing racism and the tragic recent events in the next blog.)

If the information coming in is overwhelming, it is okay to take a break from technology and the news. Keeping up with new activities and continuing to use coping skills that you may have acquired during quarantine will be helpful during this difficult transition. For example, techniques such as meditation, reaching out to your loved ones, and calling to check up on others are prosocial coping skills.

During this time of transition, it is important for us to keep taking our emotional temperature and make sure to get the help and rest that we need in order to stay physically, emotionally and spiritually safe and healthy.