New Year, New You!?!

Posted On December 31, 2021

Happy New Year!

The last couple of years were challenging for us all. Lockdown and restrictions took their toll on our well-being. Sadly, it is looking like 2022 is not going to be much better. Many places around the world have seen a significant rise in cases of Coronavirus, and new varients have taken hold.

How can we continue to cope in a world that is so strange and isolated?

If you are like I am, the lockdown has made you a bit crazy. Being in the house has created a fear of spending time with others, and you have learned to be alone. If you are like me, being alone makes you happy, and talking to others feels like a foreign task. In all honesty, I have flourished in lockdown in many ways. I made the choice early on to embrace this new life, and have learned to enjoy being alone.

However, even if you have embraced lockdown, that does not mean it is good for you!

The problem with lockdown is it rips away our social abilities. Lockdown fuels our antisocial behaviors and retrains our brains to believe that we do not need to communicate with others.

Even if you are like me, you may find that you are struggling to re-enter society. If this is you, then you are not alone…

Covid can cause Social Anxiety in the New Year.

According to an article in Health Direct, many people find that they like being in a ‘bubble’. Some even say that lockdown has led to them developing social anxiety.

Social anxiety is a fear of social situations. For many, this fear is mild. However, for a smaller subgroup, this fear can become extreme. This fear may even lead to the development of a social anxiety disorder, which can be a big problem as we kick off the New year.

When we think of the New Year, we often think of fresh starts, new beginnings, and big changes. Whether you live in an area that is still under restrictions, or you are free to move around. There is no denying that in 2022, the New Year is a little scary.

So how do you cope?

Luckily, there are things you can do that will help you smoothly transition back into society after lockdown. Entering the New Year, and re-entering society can become an awesome adventure with these tips.

5 Tips That Will Help You Re-Enter Society In The New Year:

Some Social Anxiety is Normal.

When it comes to socializing in the world today, you are not the only one who is feeling anxious. You may feel like you have forgotten how to socialize during the pandemic. As social restrictions loosen, many people are feeling the same, and conversations have been a bit awkward for everyone.

You Cannot Lose Social Skills.

Social skills are acquired at a young age. In fact, the majority of our social abilities are gained by the time we are seven years old. These skills are deeply intertwined in the fabric of our personalities. Thus, simply losing them is not an option.

While you may feel as if you have forgotten the basics of socially acceptable behavior, this information is still within you. Talking to others may feel awkward. You may say or do things that feel uncomfortable or odd, but you are not the only one experiencing these issues. No one is going to judge you for your social awkwardness, we are all feeling the same way.

Social Confidence Takes Time.

After spending more than a year isolated from society, you cannot expect to jump right back into the swing of things. Gaining your social confidence back will take time.

Make note of some small goals you hope to achieve in the New Year in terms of social skills and find ways to achieve them. Perhaps you want to spend more time with friends you have missed during the lockdown. Maybe you want to meet new people or join a new group. Start small. Reach out online and arrange to meet for a short walk or a coffee at an outdoor cafe. Fear of contracting Covid is still present, even when you are fully vaccinated. Thus, outdoor events can lessen the risk and anxiety associated with socializing.

Don’t Avoid Social Situations.

While it can be tempting to give excuses and miss events, you have been hidden away long enough. Get out there and have some fun. If a friend is inviting you to a gathering, or there is an event that you want to attend, do not talk yourself out of it. Instead, go to the event and find a way to enjoy the moment.

If Coronavirus has taught us anything, it is that life is too short to avoid enjoying all the little moments.

Know Your Limits.

Attending events is great and will allow you to interact with others but it is essential that you know your limits. I am immune-compromised. I take medication for Multiple Sclerosis that affects my immune system, and because of this, I know that there are things I am not capable or comfortable doing at this time. If a friend suggests an event or outing that makes you uncomfortable, explain your feelings and suggest something different.

The same idea applies to your employment. If you are feeling pressured to return to the office but are not comfortable doing this, speak up and share your concerns. The key is to be willing to discuss and negotiate in a way that will benefit you both.

Final Thoughts.

Re-entering society and learning to socialize with others in the New Year may be scary. You may still hold a significant fear of this deadly disease. or you may simply forget what it is like to be around people. Whatever the case, you need to get out and socialize in a way that works best for you.

No one else truly knows how you are feeling. Nor can anyone else tell you what you should or should not be feeling. Given the implications of Covid, fear will exist. Although it may be hard for others to understand, you have a right to do what is safest for yourself and your family.

Until Next Time,

Start small and continue to grow over time.