Get Over the Stress of Socializing Again

With vaccination, social dynamics have been "normalizing" and people are back, some returning to the office, to restaurants, or even to your home if all this bothers you a bit because you have already got used to being calm in your space. I want you to know that you are not alone.

A survey by the American Psychological Association found that 49% of the participants reported feeling uncomfortable with the return to interactions in person. I do not deny it, I am one of those who the subject of having two meters of distance with strangers I really would love for it to stay in time, but since I don't think this is the case, today I want to share with you some ways to manage the stress of socializing that we can implement to make this transition and adapt to the world post-pandemic, understanding that to achieve this, people must recognize their needs, communicate them to others and be patient themselves.

Is physical contact back? reject or be rejected that is the dilemma, while some are thinking about whether their office colleagues will feel bad when they return and you do not feel comfortable hugging or shaking hands, others worry about not being clear if the physical contact is inadequate and feel clumsy trying to reintegrate old and new social patterns and practice social skills that may have stunted from lack of use in the past year.

The experiences we have been having since last year have made it clear to us that we are emotional beings trying to act rationally and not the other way around as Descartes had told us and this has led us to address mental health issues in companies, families, and in our personal and professional development plans, we take mental health out of the shadows and have shown that we need to work to cultivate it.

Listen to Your Thoughts

You don't have to rush out to hug and meet everyone just because a rule tells you it can be done. Take your time and space to transition at a pace that is comfortable and non-threatening. Check what emotions arise when thinking of going back to work in the office, when you are invited to have a coffee, or when the use of masks is no longer necessary, then visualize how you can live it little by little and take a pause to breathe.

Also read: HOW TO SUPPORT A LOVED ONE WITH MENTAL ILLNESS

Set the Stage

Express how you feel and agree on what is appropriate for you and the people you interact with before seeing you in person, so once you are face to face it will not be so weird, maybe just a little bit.

Recognize What You Want To Keep From This Stage

You may want to continue enjoying a space in your home to be alone with you.

Make a List of Activities That You Were Missing

Recognizing the positive things about going out again can give you motivation and reduce your anxiety.

Seek Help

For most, reconnection anxiety will fade as they get used to the new normal, but if you do not see it diminishing and affecting your relationships, it may be time to seek professional help.

If the pandemic has taught us anything, it is that we must live one day at a time and this also applies to this new stage of social reconnection.