I don’t know about you, but I am really looking forward to my life post lockdown. I have found the last few months, in particular, pretty difficult – my mental health has suffered more than my physical health. I want to be free to see my family and friends when I choose to and to be able to plan and make arrangements that won’t be cancelled.
But having said that, I am not sure that we should all be rushing back out into the world of offices and socialising. We aren’t post-Covid yet and some of us are nervous about re-entering the world as it was pre-Covid. I have spoken to many people recently who, after a year or so of confinement, do not feel mentally or physically ready to party again.
As a Health Coach, my advice to you if you feel anxious about life post lockdown is as follows:
Check In With Yourself
How do you really feel about mixing with people again? Share your feelings with your partner or a good friend.
Give Yourself Permission To Say NO
You can say No to dinner or party invitations. You cannot be forced to go back to work in a busy office if you aren’t ready. If you don’t feel comfortable yet about going out and socialising, do not feel guilty about this.
Prioritise Yourself And Practice Self – Care
Give yourself time and space to come to terms with your experience of the pandemic. Covid 19 has impacted us all in different ways. You are not your neighbour. But bear in mind that your neighbour may have different views to you.
If you do feel nervous or stressed about the relaxation of the lockdown rules, talk or write about your feelings – journaling can be really useful and help you work through some difficult emotions. Put in place some self-care rituals. For example, take walks in nature and appreciate your surroundings; take the time to sit down to read a book or magazine; do some yoga or gentle exercise; eat nutritious food; and prioritise your sleep.
And If Your Concerns Are More Focused On Your Pandemic Weight Gain?
If you feel uncomfortable about socialising again or going back to the office because, like many people, you have gained some weight, then don’t beat yourself up about it. You are not alone! If you want to lose weight, take it slowly. You didn’t put the weight on overnight so you won’t lose it overnight either. Try the following:
- Start a food and drink diary and look at it without judgement to see where you can make some changes. Perhaps you are eating too many snacks.
- Cut down on sugar and refined carbohydrates (biscuits, cake, sweets, white bread, soft drinks and alcohol). You will feel better even if you don’t lose weight.
- Go out for a walk first thing in the morning – morning sunlight on your eyes triggers the release of a hormone produced in your pituitary gland which curbs excess hunger. It explains why we have smaller appetites in the summer.
- Eat nutritious food and pack in the salads, vegetables and fruit.
- Increase your daily activity and ideally do some strength training. Maybe you bought some dumbbells during lockdown with good intentions to use them? Now is the time to get them out but if you don’t have weights, you can build strength and muscle using your own body weight. Increased muscle means a more efficient metabolism which makes it easier to lose excess fat.
Are you nervous about your life post-lockdown? What are you doing to prepare yourself mentally and physically for the new normal?
About The Author
Amanda is a Women’s Health Coach and Personal Trainer. She works both in person and online with women in midlife and older helping them to feel happier and healthier. She takes a whole- body view of health and is a diet agnostic. She uses a variety of techniques to promote lifestyle habit changes.
She helps her clients lose weight, gain physical and mental energy, better manage stress and reduce their risk of developing a chronic lifestyle disease such as heart disease, dementia or type 2 diabetes. Amanda is passionate about helping women age healthily and happily. She works in partnership with her clients providing support, encouragement and accountability.
You can contact her to arrange a free discovery chat which gives you the opportunity to find out how Amanda might be able to help you.
apkhealthandfitness@gmail.com
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