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A few months ago, I wrote a blog post about how to manage your mental health when covid is over. Although it’s far from over based on the figures, the world is getting back to some sort of normality. Albeit, a new normal. As we’ve come to call it now. Over the last few weeks, I’ve been gradually getting back out there to do more “normal” stuff. Like getting my hair cut, going for a massage and meeting a friend for lunch. But there’s no ignoring this shift in the world and how everything is “back to normal” but not quite.
I don’t know about you but this whole year so far has felt like a dream. Or some sort of scary post-apocalyptic film or video game. It feels like forever ago that our lockdown here in the UK had just been announced but just like that… it’s over. Almost like nothing ever happened at all. Which is very much not the case for so many people’s who’s lives have been affected due to the pandemic including health and losing their jobs.
Related: 6 Things To Treat Yourself To After Lockdown
I know we’re all sick of hearing the term “new normal” by now but that’s the best way to describe our lives at the moment. So I’m sticking with the phrase until I can step outside my door and not think about covid-19 once again. Ah, those were the days. So today I want to share some tips on how we can adjust to our new normal!
Acknowledge when you are struggling
Okay, it’s not going to be easy for everyone all the time. There will come times where most of us are going to struggle a bit with adapting to this new normal. For me personally, I’ve struggled again with going out. For almost a decade, I suffered with an anxiety disorder and for years I was terrified of going anywhere.
Since last Summer, when I finally went on medication for my anxiety, my world opened up and I wasn’t anxious anymore. I’ve definitely noticed that anxiety creeping back up again whenever I have to leave the house. Which is what I was worried was going to happen. But I’ve accepted it and acknowledged that right now, it’s okay to feel that way.
Have fun when choosing face masks
Face masks are obviously playing a huge role in our new normal right now, with them being made compulsory to wear in shops here in the UK as well as on public transport. Which I think is an excellent idea and should have been the case much earlier on in this situation.
But in the case of face masks, they really aren’t anything to cry about. And I love that there are so many amazing colours and designs of face masks to choose from. You really adapt your face mask to fit in with your own personal style and I absolutely love that!
I was kindly sent some face masks from Armor London to try out and feature in this blog post which I’m excited to talk about now because they really are fab masks. They have two different types of masks and I’ve featured both of them below.
Safeguard cotton face cover – £9 each, available in pink, khaki and dark green
So Armor London supply two different types of masks but both of which have similar technology involved in making them such high quality. All masks are washable and come with a soft silicone neckband, which can be used to attach on to the mask to make it comfier and a better fit and to avoid discomfort behind your ears if you’re wearing your mask for a long period of time. They also have built in air filters which help keep your face cooler in the Summer.
They also have adjustable ear straps and each mask comes with 2 replacement filters with each mask. However, you can buy packs of additional filters. The 5 layer filters have 2 layers of activated carbon and are suitable for all of their face masks.
Natura Hemp Face Cover – £14.00 each, available in pink, black, green and grey.
In addition to all of the above, the Natura Hemp Face Covers are also 100% sustainable and has an added activated carbon filter for additional air purification and heat dissipation. I mean, there really is nothing bad to say about these face masks. I love the colours they come in and all the extra protection they provide. The filters can be used for up to 8 hours then must be thrown but the masks themselves are washable.
Everyone in my house has been really impressed with them. My Mum nabbed the pink one as soon as it came out of the box. And my personal favourite is the green because it goes well with my ginger hair! But of course there are black and grey, for those who prefer more understated looks. Or the camo pink (which I also love) for those who don’t mind something a little brighter.
Remember that it’s only temporary
Although chances are, this whole situation will have made us consider some permanent changes going forward, the actual pandemic of covid-19 is only temporary. And like everything in life, this too shall pass. So although it feels like it’s been going on forever and feels like it’ll never end, it will. We just have to learn to persevere, be patient and be grateful that we’re here and healthy.
Only do what you’re comfortable doing
Just because pubs and restaurants are open again doesn’t mean you have to go to them. Nobody is forcing you. This is such a unique experience for all of us so it really is just a matter of doing what feels right for you at the time. If you don’t feel safe sitting in a restaurant yet, that’s fine! Perhaps see if your favourite places to eat do a pick up service so you can eat at home, if you want to support your community.
Allow yourself to be sad for the old normal
It’s totally okay to miss the old normal and the way things used to be before covid-19 hit the world. It’s okay to feel sad about all the time you’ve missed this year, all the plans you’ve cancelled, all the holidays that never got taken. It’s okay to be sad about all of it. Even if you’re one of the lucky ones who didn’t experience covid first or second hand. It HAS affected us all. And it’s okay to be sad about it.
Find joy in the little things
I think this new normal will allow us to find joy in the smallest and most unexpected of ways. After so many months of not being able to do ANYTHING, even the smallest thing right now can feel like the most exciting thing in the world. Sitting outside a coffees shop, drinking tea and eating a cake. Having a browse around the home ware section of your favourite store. Visiting your Grandma again. Appreciate it all.
How are you adjusting to our new normal? Anything to add to this list?