How to Have a Healthy Transition Back to “Normal Life”

After this last year and a half of a different approach to life, it might feel a bit odd returning back to pre-pandemic life. With increased vaccine rollouts and expanded access across the country, returning to “normal” is something on the horizon that many are looking forward to. However, this return to normalcy is making some anxious. People who are still worried about contracting the virus or who are used to spending time alone may find it difficult to return to their pre-pandemic social lives.

This is why it is so important to set a plan for healthy transitions for life after COVID so it isn’t an overwhelming experience. Read on to find the best ways to mentally and physically prepare yourself for getting back into the swing of things in a healthy manner.

 

 

Tips for the Return to Normalcy

 

Build Up Your Immune System

Health is obviously one of the top priorities when returning to life after COVID. Building up your immune system can help keep your body in the best shape possible to defend against any sickness. In this last year and a half in isolation, your body hasn’t been exposed to many outside influences, which might make you more susceptible to illnesses such as general colds or even allergies until your immunity is built up again.

Help give your immune system a boost naturally by having regular infrared sauna sessions, taking supplements, exercising, reducing stress, and eating a healthy diet.

 

Define Your Priorities

After a year and a half at home and away from our regular activities, it can be overwhelming with all the new opportunities available. People to see, things to do, places to visit, it can all feel like a bit much. Define your priorities to make the transition easier to manage. Make a list of what you’d like to do first, whether that’s going on a trip you’ve had to reschedule or visiting friends or family members you haven’t seen in years.

 

Determine Boundaries

Once you have your priorities set, determine some boundaries. You don’t need to return to your pre-pandemic social life right away, and if you’re wary of seeing certain friends or are nervous about some interactions, it’s okay to take a step back. Set a window of tolerance, which is essentially a comfort zone that you can work, live, and socialize within, adjusting it as things open up more.

 

 

Embrace the Good Changes

There’s no denying that the last year and a half has been a challenge. It has been a weird period of change that has been both uncomfortable and uncertain, but it’s also important to take a look at the good changes. Perhaps you learned a new skill or picked up a new hobby. Or maybe you’ve adopted a healthier lifestyle or have invested more time into your mental health. During your return to normalcy, embrace the good changes during abnormal times.

 

Find a New Routine

At the start of COVID, our lives were rocked and routines were thrown out the window. Over the months, you probably found a new at-home routine. And now, that routine might have to change again. Whether you’re going back into the office after working from home or starting to do things on the weekend again, settle into a new routine that helps you fit in all the things you need to do in the day.

 

Make Time for Yourself

With all this energy going toward thinking about things to do when returning to normalcy, it can be easy to forget to take time for yourself. You’ve had a year and a half to yourself, so don’t stop that important time now. Set aside time that doesn’t revolve around anyone else and pamper yourself. Have a spa day, go on a solo run, watch your favorite movie, lounge and read a book, or spend time on a hobby you love.

 

 

Manage Your Overall Health

We mentioned boosting your immune system above, but there are other aspects of your health that are important to manage as well. Of course, still do the basics like washing your hands and maintaining distance between those who may be sick. You should also continue to exercise, eat a healthy diet, meditate, and go to doctor appointments to take care of your mental and physical health.

 

Reflect on Your Experience

This last year and a half has been a life experience many were not expecting or prepared for, which means we were collectively thrown into a world of change. It is important to reflect on these months, from the good to the bad. Reflection will help you appreciate the wins, process the hardships, and celebrate the return to normalcy even more. This is an important step forward in understanding how the pandemic has affected your life moving forward.

 

Set Realistic Expectations

At the end of the day, it is important to set realistic expectations for yourself when returning to normalcy and life after COVID. Things are going to be different from how they were pre-pandemic with our new normal. Expect that it’s still going to be a learning curve getting back into the swing of things, and that’s okay! With realistic expectations set and healthy transitions in place, going back to normal will be easier than you expect.

 

 

Healthy Transitions for Life After COVID

 

While COVID may be around for a bit longer, we are certainly getting closer to “normal” life once again. Planning and setting up healthy transitions after this last year and a half can help you ease back into an old lifestyle that feels pretty new. Take things slowly and don’t pressure yourself to do anything you aren’t comfortable with yet.

This period in life has been a learning experience and has made a large impact on us all. Anxiety about life after COVID is totally normal, but it can be managed with the right steps. Plan your transition for your return to normalcy, set boundaries, reflect on your experience, and focus on your health. Taking care of your own physical and mental health should be your top priority at this time.