The COVID-19 pandemic remains in varied states around the world. The UK lifted lockdown measures last weekend, while Trinidad and Tobago reinstated restrictions in the past week. Cases are high, death rates are high, and vaccination rates are high. It’s hard to determine exactly what you should be feeling right now. But as always that anxiety in the uncertainty will always kick in. Here are some tips to help you deal with whatever you may be facing right now.
1. Protect yourself first
You’re not obligated to lime with anyone. When restrictions are lifted, or even during restrictions you may be invited out to house parties, restaurants or gatherings, but it is perfectly okay to say no if you don’t feel ready yet. San Francisco based non-profit media KQED spoke with a psychologist and writes that having anxiety about going out after a year is perfectly normal, even if you are vaccinated. So if you don’t feel safe heading out just yet, even if everyone else is, that is perfectly normal too.
2. Know your boundaries
For some, simply leaving the house after a period of lockdown or restrictions may be scary. You are going back to interacting with others, being in crowds and facing some semblance of regular life. You can set some ground rules for yourself and even notify friends and family who you’ll be spending time with. For example I only eat at places which are spaced out and outdoors to decrease my chances of contracting Covid, even with my mask off. You may choose to only be in close contact with persons in your household or friends who you deem to be safe. Whatever you do, ensure that you are comfortable with it, nevermind who you may piss off.
3. Keep yourself busy
If you are at home find fun, safe alternative activities to reduce cabin fever. You know the drill from the last few lockdowns; visit parks, catch up on a series, learn to cook. Similarly, if you are in a place where businesses are reopening, try to support local small businesses that would have been hurt by stringent restrictions. Order takeout or dine in at a nearby restaurant or feed your retail therapy habit with some new clothes from a locally-made boutique. Everyone’s been through a lot in a short space of time, let’s be nice to ourselves and others.
4. Get vaccinated
As we’ve mentioned in countless articles before, vaccination is the only way to rid ourselves of the dreaded pandemic. The WHO explains that the COVID vaccine can significantly reduce the severity of the virus should you contract it, preventing serious illness, death and also protecting others from the spread. While we still need to observe protective measures even when vaccinated, getting the jab can help many to reduce the anxiety surrounding contracting and spreading the virus.
5. Stay safe
Whether you are under restrictions or not, remember to wash your hands, wear a mask and be aware of your possible points of contact. Restrictions are put in place to protect you, not just an excuse to give you a fine. By wearing masks and social distancing you can reduce your chances of contracting the virus by 85% according to the University of New South Whales. Likewise the restrictions in the number of people allowed to gather are in place to reduce the likelihood of contracting the virus. The CDC notes that testing should be done on anyone who has been in close contact with a positive case for at least 15 minutes. So be mindful of who you are in close contact with, still considering who they may be in close contact with.
We are all experiencing a tumult of emotions, from excitement, to survivor’s guilt, to pandemic burnout, to a bit of panic. My advice to you is to take everything in stride as you make conscious decisions for your health and the health of those around you.
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