While it would be a vast under-statement to say the pandemic “took a toll on us,” how do we navigate returning to our pre-COVID life?  Many individuals vastly underestimated the changes and impacts COVID created.  The world was not prepared for the potential psychological effects COVID would produce.  After months of being in lockdown and having our weekly routines uprooted, a subtle “unwellness” began to manifest within our minds and bodies.  Reports of depression, stress, anxiety, worry, and other issues significantly increased for people months into the pandemic.

The complete effects from the pandemic are not gone and continuing to alter our wellbeing. As the world shifts back to businesses opening and increased socialization, we must realize that many of us had a complete overhaul from our normal routines. Then, we created new routines to adjust to the situations COVID created. These adaptive changes we made are not typically problematic for short periods of time but have greater potential negative impacts after longer periods.

Gradual Changes

It is important to keep in mind that most people do not tolerate large scale changes very well. We do much better with gradual, small-scale changes over time! Therefore, when you consider returning to your “normal routine,” consider implementing activities, routines, and events incrementally. For example, if you used to exercise five times or more per week pre-COVID, and you discontinued your exercise regime when the gyms closed. Give yourself a simpler goal and expectation (exercise one/two times per week), as you rebuild your exercise routine. Creating more realistic and manageable goals will assist with retuning to your pre-COVID routines.

Take Care of Your Mental Health!

Mental health professionals have observed an increase in requests for therapy services throughout the pandemic, and therapy can be a great resource to process the trauma from COVID. While there are a variety of methods when restoring your personal balance, focus on creating attainable goals. Another recommendation is to get outside for fresh air and sunshine, such as taking a walk. Our bodies and minds respond great to the benefits from nature!

In order to restore balance from the COVID pandemic, please remember to understand, we have all gone through a lot of disruption to our normal routines, health and socialization. We all need to be patient with ourselves and each other during this time of recovery.

If this post resonates with you and you are looking for a therapist in Dallas, feel free to contact us at Wellness 360 Dallas! We have daytime and evening hours. We would be happy to consult with you.