A roadmap to help you out of lockdown

We’ve adapted to a new normal, pressing traffic light buttons with elbows, shouting at the telly when actors aren’t two metres apart and swerving to avoid strangers when out and about. Many of us have spent months dreaming of the day all this nonsense comes to an end, so why are some feeling overwhelmed about the prospect of the uk opening back up again on the 21st June? CALM took a look at why it’s normal to feel a bit nervous about being unlocked.

Over the past year, our worlds have become dramatically smaller. Many of us haven’t travelled further than the local park and the most socialising we’ve done has been with Pam at the local supermarket. Home has become a safe space from the big scary world outside and we’ve cushioned ourselves with new routines and habits. A poll on our socials showed just how mixed emotions are – with 64% of you saying you were feeling anxious and only 36% relaxed.

But with the announcement of a roadmap out of lockdown there’s hope this will be the last lockdown. With vaccines rolling out across the country and a falling infection rate, it feels like there’s a light at the end of the tunnel, but as our worlds slowly start to expand again, it’s normal to feel a bit weird.

Maybe you’ve preferred life in lockdown, you’re worried you’ve forgotten how to socialise, or feel nervous about the safety of returning to the hustle and bustle of reality. There are lots of things to feel anxious about, so here’s our roundup of some post-lockdown worries and how to quieten them. And remember, whatever you’re feeling CALM are here no matter what.

We’ll have to remember how to dress in real people clothes (remember jeans?) and acclimatise to the fact we’ll no longer be able to mute the mic or shutdown the laptop on more introverted days. What’s more, none of us have done much in 12 months, so we’re lacking the usual anecdote armory that makes conversation come much easier.

How to deal with it: Socialising is likely to feel pretty exhausting at first. So if the thought of cramming into a busy club is spinning you out, ease yourself back into it, whether that means meeting up at a friend’s house before a night out or opting for a quieter spot. Social slip ups are inevitable after the long lack of human contact – just laugh them off, remember everyone is in the same boat and take things at your own pace

How to deal with it: It can feel like the responsibility has been placed back on us, which can be intimidating. Some may leap back to life before lockdown, others may tip toe and that’s perfectly understandable.

Heading back to work after a long holiday can feel tough enough, so after months in the comfort of your own home, diving back into a lively workspace can be frightening. If you’ve been furloughed for a while you might have anxieties about getting back up to speed, or even doubts in your ability to still do the job.

How to deal with it: Whatever your worries, they’re valid. Take things one day at a time and if you’re able, arrange a return-to-work conversation with your manager to communicate your concerns. At the end of the day, you’re only human and it might take a little while to get back in the swing of things.

How to deal with it: Many of us are burnt out and some of us are even sceptical over the promise that this will be the last lockdown, jumping to what-ifs about the future. Remember, you’re not Mystic Meg and nobody can see into the future, so while we’re not going to get all hippy dippy about it, give yourself permission to go with the flowww.

The road out of lockdown will probably feel nerve-wracking and even bumpy at times, but CALM are here to help you navigate whatever you’re feeling. Our free, confidential helpline and webchat is open from 5pm until midnight every day.