AD – This is a paid advertorial but all thoughts are my own
Over the course of the last couple of months, there’s been a HUGE shift in focus on how to look after your mental health during this stressful, unprecedented time we’re all living in right now. COVID-19 and lockdown was something none of us expected. Yet we WERE all expected to deal with it. Because hey, we had no other choice.
Photo by Toa Heftiba on Unsplash
But as time goes on, we’re edging closer and closer to getting back to normal. Albeit, perhaps a new type of normal. But normal nonetheless. With children going back to school. Adults going back to work. Shops, bars and restaurants opening again. And daily responsibilities are back on the to-do list.
So as soon as we all had to adapt to this new way of life in lockdown, it’s time to re-adapt back to how it was before. It’s a big ask. It’s a big thing to have to go through. It’s not normal. And it’s going to affect a lot of people, in a lot of different ways.
So I think it’s important to take some time to discuss measures we can take in order to look after our mental health when all this is over. When COVID-19 is said and done and the world continues on as if nothing ever happened.
But of course that’s not going to be the case. For those who have lost someone through this awful virus. For those who lost their jobs. For those who struggled with money. For the doctors and the nurses on the front-line. AND for those of us who perhaps don’t fall into one of those categories.
Because living through a global pandemic is a seriously mentally draining thing.
So before we get into the tips, let’s just take a moment to give ourselves a pat on the back and a moment of gratitude for getting through this tough season of life. Well, it’s not the end just yet but you’ve made it this far and that deserves a celebration in itself.
Photo by Gaelle Marcel on Unsplash
Seek help if you need it
There would be absolutely no shame in admitting that you might need extra help dealing with what you’ve just been through. So I urge you to seek help if you need it. Discuss therapy with your GP or contact the mental health services in your area directly. If you need to talk to an unbiased individual quickly, then I’d recommend calling The Samaritans.
Related read: Does CBD Oil Help Anxiety
Lean on your faith and beliefs
Whatever you believe and wherever your faith lies, now might be a good time to lean on it more than ever. If your faith is there for guidance then chances are, you’re probably going to be a bit of extra guidance right now. I don’t talk about faith or belief much here and I won’t go into detail. But I believe heavily in the universe and Law of Attraction (as well as other things) and I’ve been putting a LOT of focus into that during this time.
There are plenty of things you can do and buy in order to help in this instance. If you go to church, then perhaps attending more regularly might benefit you. If you believe in the power of crystal healing, perhaps now is the time to invest in some new crystals.
The I Am Band, pictured above, is something else that people with a spiritual predisposition might be interest in looking further into. The I Am Band is designed to block negative feelings, spiritual influences, create positive energy, boost health and more. It helps keep your energy clear and your aura positive and is particularly useful for releasing negative thoughts and feelings, anxiety and every day stress.
Talk about how you’re feeling
Your friends and family have been through the same thing that you have. And although naturally, we all have different experiences, it’s not very often we can all collectively discuss having been through the same thing. So when it’s completely safe to meet up with friends and family, ensure you nourish those connections and talk to each other about how you’re feeling. Because now is a time to be there for each other.
Ease back in slowly
Although it’s likely that lockdown measures around the world will ease gradually, it’s still important to ease yourself back into a normal routine slowly and gentle, if you feel like you need to. I’d say after months of lockdown, a lot of us are getting pretty used to spending every day at home!
Don’t try and do everything, all at once
And when things do start opening again and we ARE free to do as we please and go wherever we want, it might be useful to remind yourself that you don’t have to do everything at once. We’re all going to have a lot of travel plans when this is over but you DON’T have to go and do it all in the shortest space of time. It’s okay to heal first.
Continue to work on your self care daily
And finally, continue to use those self care practices that you built up over the time in lockdown on a daily basis. Self care works all the time – not just during a global pandemic! And I’m sure a lot of us have built up a lot of great self care practices and rituals during this time at home. So utilize what you’ve learnt, let go of what didn’t work and build up a stronger self care practice than ever!
[…] How To Look After Your Mental Health When COVID-19 is Over […]
[…] focusing on getting fitter and exercising more regularly. And for some, our sole focus was simply getting through the day. Wherever you fall, know that it’s okay. We don’t get a guidebook on how to deal with a […]
[…] Related Read: How To Look After Your Mental Health When COVID Is Over […]
[…] So let’s all vow to really take care of ourselves this Winter. Especially after the year we’ve had so far that’s undoubtedly made an impact on our mental health. […]
[…] Related read: How To Look After Your Mental Health When COVID Is Over […]
[…] Related Read: How To Look After Your Mental Health When COVID-19 Is Over […]
[…] Related read: How To Look After Your Mental Health When COVID-19 Is Over […]
[…] can face when the temperature drops and the conditions outside change. Not to mention with COVID on top of […]
Covid 19 has hit the most on mental health. Thanks for the article. Here are some tips on getting better sleep during covid 19.
https://thehealthybella.com/2020/07/05/15-tips-to-sleep-better-at-night/
A great blog! I agree when you talked about taking things at your own pace when this lockdown ends, everyone is different! For example, you don’t have to go to the gym the first day that gyms are open.
Yes exactly! I still haven’t gone back into shops personally.
It definitely feels strange to slowly ease back into normal life after being so safely tucked away for so long.
It really does.
Yes I am truly a bit nervous to go back to normal life. It’s quite overwhelming! Though this post really helped me ease my mind. Also, thank you for reminding me to add self care into my everyday practice :).
You’re very welcome!
I’d no anxiety when the lock-down began but when normalcy starts to return, I’m sure I’ll get jittery. Will come back to read your post; it’s sure to help me.
I hope it helps!
I’m sure it will. Thank you for writing this!
Be stronger and wiser!
I think I’m definitely going to be easing myself back into normal life slowly! I also want to try and keep going with some of my new found hobbies too, so hopefully that will be something to work into a new life routine. I was definitely too busy before and didn’t really take time for myself so I’m hoping to change that.
Kayleigh x
https://hazelnutmusings.co.uk/
I totally agree. This time has definitely allowed us to reevaluate!
This is going to be very important. I’m feeling overwhelmed already and spikes of fear for when this is all over and what the new world will be like!
Well done you for sharing this!
Rosie
Oh same! I’m dreading it tbh!
Lockdown has had a real impact on my mental health, and especially at the beginning, I was incredibly anxious. Since leaning really heavily on my spirituality and self care practices, I’ve been doing a LOT better. My mental health is in a much better place than I was expecting, but I am going to be really careful to make sure the rest of my loved ones are okay! It’s going to be a difficult and unusual time for all of us.
That’s so good to hear!
I’m glad you’ve focused on this – lockdown hasn’t really been difficult for me at all (I’ve actually quite enjoyed it) so for that reason I think I’m going to find it hard to go back to normal as it’s highlighted everything about modern society that I don’t like. It’s certainly been an interesting experience. I have found myself more focused on my spiritual beliefs during lockdown, so the band that you’ve mentioned sounds like a really interesting product.
You’re not the first person who’s said they’ve focused a lot of their spiritual beliefs eight now you know! I’ve been the same!
I think easing back in slowly is the best way to approach everything when it comes to returning to normality. I’m unsure how ‘normal’ is going to feel for me. I was very stressed and anxious before lockdown when people were still working and socialising as normal but I’ve been a lot calmer since knowing everyone is safe indoors. These are great tips for anyone struggling and looking for someone/ something to help x
Sophie
I’m a very anxious person anyway, and as much as I want things to go back to normal and I’m so worried about it and the thought of having to go back to he office terrifies me (I am grateful to be able to work from home during this). Some really great tips here xx
Thank you. Hope everything works out okay for you – I’m sure you’ll be fine xxx
It’s going to be SO strange going back to normal life, whenever that eventually happens. Looking after our mental health at a time like this is definitely needed.
I agree x
I think I’m going to struggle with not trying to do everything when this is over!
A lot of things are going to be different for people all over the world after lockdown is over, it’s going to be hard to go back to a ‘norm’! Thank you for sharing this post, I’m sure it will help loads of people!
I do hope so!
It’s good these days that discussing mental health is no longer taboo.
Jil | https://www.letsjiloutdoor.com/
I agree x
Nice post!! Very useful in current times when we are dealing with so much. With places lifting up we need to bounce back slowly and try not to do everything at once. Rightly put. Also Self care is most important for our mental well being.
I agree. If everyone tries to do everything all at once it’ll be mayhem!
Such an important post! I’m definitely hoping to start some counselling once I can as I think it’s so important for mental health.
That’s great to hear!
I think I’m still stuck in the trying to deal with self care in lockdown at the moment! There are some really great and useful tips here, especially abut either seeking help or just talking to those around you because you are far from the only one going through it. Great post!
Thank you 🙂 x
Yes, it’s going to be tricky to bounce back to normal, what with a new normal on the horizon. Good tips, thank you.
http://www.susanberkkoch.com/blog
It really is, I’m dreading it!
I think a lot will change when this lockdown is over. These are some great tips, to help you know what to do next! Thank you for sharing Jenny xx
I think so too, I’m not looking forward to it!
Great tips, thank you! I like the idea of easing back in gradually. I went to my first small social function this weekend and I was actually pretty nervous on the way there! I’ve always been an introvert but I do really enjoy small social get-togethers with close friends. But, this time I just wasn’t sure I was ready for it. I feel like I’ve forgotten some of my social skills these last few months.
I don’t blame you, I think that’s probably a very common worry. But well done for giving it a shot!
I’ve made sure I’ve looked after my mental health during lockdown as somedays have been a struggle, these are some great tips to help with that Jenny x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
Thank you. I’m really glad to hear this 🙂
Going back to normal is definitley going to be interesting. The adjustment will be different for everyone, but I can’t wait to get back to a “normal” life.
I can’t either but I’m so nervous about it.
Great article as usual. This one earned a share on MirrorAthlete’s “Ageless MirrorAthlete” group page. Thank you. Good health to you and your family.
Thank you very much!
Well said! I definitely agree on easing back into things once everything goes back to normal. I feel like a lot of people (even myself tbh) have been going a little crazy thinking about what we’re gonna do when everything blows over. Thanks for sharing!
Oh me too! I’ve been the same!
It’s going to be super hard for me I think because it’s another three months before I go back to work and I know that for a fact. And that means I’ve been off work for 7 months–as in not in the office, I didn’t lose my job, we are working from home. But I was already a home body and I love working from home so it’s going to be quite the adjustment I think.
Crikey that’s a long time!
I’m dreading when things go back to normal!! xx
Same to be honest!
Great tips! It’s definitely strange to be living in such uncertain times. For me, the only thing really keeping my mental health on a steady(ish) path is a lot of self-care and patience!
Anika | chaptersofmay.com
Oh yes, same! That’s great though! 🙂
My mental health is normally up and down. It took me ages to get used to lockdown and now I’m anxious about going back to normal. I’m not sure why. It’s nothing to do with the disease, I just feel weird about it.
Helen
So do I! It’s a little bit of everything but I dunno. It’s weird.
Things have been reasonably normal for me since I’ve still been working. But I have started to notice people relaxing too quickly and I do worry about a second wave because the minority of people are getting complacent. I’m around the public every day so it a worrying time.
Oh same. I’m 95% certain we’ll get a second wave.
This is a lovely post. Mental health is so incredibly important, it can be so easy to try and do everything at one but moderation is really important. Taking the time to look after yourself is so important x
Totally agree 🙂
I think,as you said, leaning on your self-care daily is key. It’s a big adjustment, still with some risks, to start to go back to daily living. It’s important we take care of ourselves daily to make sure we stay mentally ready for it all
Absolutely. Taking it day by day is so important!
Everyone is talking about what to do during the Covid but this post is about when it will be all over. How awesome! Thank you for giving us hope. That’s a great list btw!
Thank you x
To be honest, it feels we are already back to ‘normal’ in the Netherlands. Of course there a few changes. You have to make reservations for literally everything. That is the thing I struggle with. I like to be spontaneous. But I know I am not the only one.
Ah I’m not spontaneous at ALL so that wouldn’t be an issue for me haha!
I can’t wait for things to go back to ‘normal’ but it’s going to very strange to get used to! There’s so much I want to do and so many places I want to go but I agree it’s important not to try and do everything at once xx
Tiffany x http://www.foodandotherloves.co.uk
I’m kinda dreading it, kinda looking forward to it!
Its tough these days, and depression is evident. Will use your tips to try and ride this tough wave. Cheers.
Do read my blog if you get a moment.
Hope these tips help x
This is a very sweet and useful post! I have always struggled with mental health, and the whole COVID-19 things hasn’t helped. I get very scared of even going outside at the moment so I am not too interested in lockdown being over just yet. I love my I AM bracelets. I have 3 stackable ones and they are very sentimental. Great post 🙂
Em x
I agree, I’m pretty scared to go literally anywhere. I wish lockdown was lasting much longer!
Talking to people about how you feel is so important. I’m a little worried about returning to normal because I’ve got into a routine where I feel productive, happy and healthy and I’m scared that the pressure of normal life will be too much. I’m just trying to take each day as it comes for the moment.
http://www.thekellydianereport.co.uk
I agree! I’ve been pretty relaxed in lockdown and have a good routine now too. I’m really worried about everything changing – again.
These are so great and I love your focus on reaching out for support and speaking to people about how you’re feeling. I think it’s also really important to ease back in slowly and do things in small steps. It can be exciting when things feel a bit more ‘normal’ but we can get in over our head if we don’t keep an eye on how we’re feeling or take too much on at once!
I totally agree!
To be honest, I’m really anxious about lock down ending. I don’t like to leave the house normally, but have to for appointments and such. We are lucky that we have a garden. The thought of going out to, i.e. a shop, is terrifying me. However, your advice to take it slowly is good, and I’ll get through it. Thank you for your post. xxx
Same. I don’t want to go anywhere public at the moment, it’s really scaring me!
Thanks for sharing your tips, it will be weird going back to normal activities once this all over 🙂
Nic | Nic’s Adventures & Bakes
It sure will!
Thanks for sharing this. it is going to be super weird going back to normal and I don’t think it actually will for a long time. This whole lockdown has definitely taught me to appreciate the small things.
Sophia xo
No it absolutely won’t go back to proper “normal” for absolutely ages!
I’m genuinely a little worried about returning to normal. I’ve enjoyed the slower pace and having more time to do the things I want to do. I’ve still been working during this time as I work in a school but we’ve been on a rota. I’m back in full time in just under two weeks and I’m feeling quite nervous and anxious about it all.
Lauren | https://www.laurenyloves.co.uk/
Gah I can’t imagine how that must feel. I think the schools are going back far too early x
I think it’s going to be just as much of an adjustment going back to normal as it was entering lockdown! I’m definitely going to do my best to ease myself back in slowly, so it’s not too overwhelming. That ‘I Am Band’ sounds fascinating, I’d be curious to know if it works – have you tried it yourself? x
I haven’t tried it myself but I think they work similarly to crystals. Which I love! I had a comment on this post from someone who has 3 of them and loves them!
I’m so tempted to try one out!
Love this post Jenny! I’m a great believer in being comfortable enough to talk about mental health one step closer x
I agree x
These are great tips! I need to be more open with how I am feeling cause I realized during Quarantine I have grown use to isolating myself ALOT.
I hope this encourages you to open up!
It’s going to be Weird going back to normal but I am looking forward to it
I’m really nervous about it!