HOW TO COME OUT OF LOCKDOWN WITH A POSTIVIE, CONFIDENT MINDSET!
After what seemed an eternity spent in isolation, some people are rightly feeling anxious about navigating this newly found freedom and “normality”. We have had to deal with one heck of an emotional roller-coaster, one steeped in uncertainty and fear - and for many of us, trying to now find a more optimistic and positive outlook is proving harder than we thought, but all is not lost.
As the country slowly re-awakens from a year long sleep, it’s important to remember that it doesn’t mean we have to immediately bounce back to our previous lives with all the commitments and energy it entailed. We have put together five easy-to-follow steps that will help you make the most of the post-lockdown world.
1. It’s okay to say no
As we have been parted from our loved ones for so long we might feel pressured or obliged to make time for everyone, but this isn’t the case. As we’ve spent more time by ourselves we might have discovered new hobbies, regimes or practices that we shouldn’t give up to make more time for others. Especially as offices will be opening their doors again, it’s important to not loose your groove and keep your downward dog, “om” or napping routines going. Making time for others should never deprive you of self-care time, it’s important to find a little time each day to cultivate something that makes you feel good, even if it means saying no a couple of times.
2. Start small
If the thought of big gatherings and meeting new people gives you the fear, start by slowly reintroducing yourself into your social-sphere. Invite a couple close friends over for a BBQ, go for a nice walk in the park or a drink along the canals and slowly build up your confidence until you’re ready and comfortable with the thought of making new friends and remember - it’s okay to say no, if you’re invited to a party but you feel like you’re not quite there yet they’ll understand, the important thing is to surround yourself with positive people who share your values.
3. Get in touch with nature
There are countless benefits that mother-nature offers us and it would be foolish of us to not make the most of it. If trying to book a restaurant or holiday is stirring you crazy, opt for a stay-cation - there are plenty of hiking paths just outside which you can reach by bus, train or car where you can enjoy a nice picnic or drink at the top or if you’re more of a beach lover than round up a couple of friends and rent out a paddle boat or discover water-sport spots around the city. My favorite way to start the day has been an early morning dip in the local lido to start the day energized and stress-free!
4. Put in place a sustainable, feel-good routine
We’ve already talked about the importance of saying no in order to safe-guard our mental and physical well-being, but what is even more vital is to put in place a routine that you can achieve daily stress-free. Some of us have already done this during lockdown, others struggled to maintain it due to the abrupt change of lifestyle so it’s good to have a chat with our inner-selves and jot down things we consider important to our overall wellbeing and that will help us shape our values and character positively.
5. Take part in outdoor activities with the group
An amazing way to reconnect and make new social connections is to join outdoor activities. From yoga in the park, to local social walks and outdoor bootcamps to choose from, you’re bound to find something that works for you. If you’re someone who likes a mental challenge just as well as a physical one than scavenger hunts can be an entertaining, social option for the more competitive bunch! We are the leading scavenger hunt company in London, providing an engaging, fun and bespoke team building activity that can be played in small teams which allows participants to get to know each other better annihilating the social barriers that screens have built up between us!