With the pandemic at the one-year mark, it is safe to say that wearing masks and being socially distanced is the new normal. Looking back on this past year, there have been many ups and downs. At certain points, regulations permitted people to see one another. At other times, many people lost out on moments with loved ones, modifying their interactions to virtual meetings on Zoom.
While it is unclear when our daily lives will go back to how it was before the pandemic, there are many things to be said on how to continue life in the current situation.
Be your own ally.
Be kind to yourself. Just as you’ve been sending texts to your friends and family to see their state of mind, make sure you take the time to do the same with yourself. This can be carving out some time during the work week to destress. You can use this time to exercise, do a favorite activity, cook, or even have scheduled calls with loved ones. Supporting yourself is the best thing you can do to add back some normalcy into your life.
Do not be afraid to seek out help.
During these uncertain times, it is only natural to feel an increased sense of anxiety. If you feel anxious and need help, reaching out to seek professional help is completely okay. Therapists are great confidants and can help you to talk through issues that may have developed in the past year.
Socially distance, but connect with your loved ones online.
While we may be far apart, there are so many great tools that bind us all together. Be sure to reach out to loved ones to have conversations and process what is happening in the world right now. If you do not want to talk about it directly, coming up with routine calls or shared online activities and games are a great way to feel connected with one another.
Physically there is a gap between us all, but technology can bridge this emotional gap. With adherence to regulations, and patience this time too will pass.
