Anxiety After Covid
Anxiety after covid has become a real thing now that we’ve started to re-enter the world again. Isolating ourselves for over a year has forced us into our little comfortable bubble. The problem is that we have become accustomed to this new way of living, which has triggered social anxiety for many of us. Here are some ways to overcome post pandemic anxiety as a result of social isolation.
5 Ways to Overcome Social Isolation and Post Pandemic Anxiety
#1 Surround Yourself with Positive People
Surround yourself with positive, uplifting people that encourage you to socialize and get out of your bubble. Try to limit your time spent with people that provoke your fear. If you have a friend suffering from post-covid anxiety, then try to encourage them in a positive way. Supporting other people who are going through anxiety after covid can help distract you from your own anxiety.
#2 Take it one step at a time / Connect with your Community
Take baby steps by going to grocery stores, shopping malls, bookstores, walking in the neighborhood, joining an outdoor exercise group, dining outdoors, or visiting close relatives and friends. The key is to start small and work your way up to larger social gatherings, such as dining in restaurants, traveling, dating, or whatever else you desire. If you’re already doing the things I mentioned above, then connect with your community by joining a peer group like Meetup or some other online group. You can meet like-minded people who like to cook, play sports, hike, do yoga, play trivia games, rock climb, run a marathon, or travel.
#3 Rebuild Your Confidence
Do what you need to do to feel good about yourself. If you gained weight during the pandemic, try to lose some weight. Put on some makeup, get your hair done, buy some new clothes, or do whatever else you need to do to boost your confidence. If you like your newfound comfort in the simpler things, then embrace it! Wear less makeup, do your hair at home, or wear some comfy clothes. Every day sneakers are trending right now, so take advantage!
The point is that you were awesome before the pandemic, and you still are today! Embrace it and show off your new and improved self.
#4 Face Your fears
If going to the gym triggers your hypochondria or social anxiety, then try your best to face your fears. The only way to get over your fear is to repeatedly face it head-on. Exposure therapy is a powerful anxiety treatment that really works. I’ve suffered from anxiety for many years and I can tell you from personal experience that exposure therapy was once of the most effective treatments.
#5 Take Advantage of a Hybrid Work Schedule
If your work has given you the flexibility to work from home, try to force yourself to go to the office as much as possible. It’s healthy to socialize with others, and being around co-workers will help you get over your social anxiety. You can start with 1 day / week and work your way up to 2 – 3 days.
#6 Avoid Negative Media
Stop checking the news, stop listening to negative stories, and unfollow the people on social media that provoke your fear. The media can be a super spreader of negativity and they prey on our fears because they know that’s what people are instinctively drawn to. Pick and choose what programs and people you’re exposing yourself to. Negative attracts negative, and positive attracts positive, so you make the choice.
Post Pandemic Anxiety is More Common Than You May Think
Try to understand that you are not alone and there are many people suffering from post pandemic anxiety. Knowing that others may be suffering from anxiety after covid can help alleviate the feelings of judgement associated with social anxiety.
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