It has seemed as though this last year has put the world in standstill- in a constant state of limbo wondering ‘what’s next?’ as they wake up to the daily news every day. Covid cases on the rise, more people losing their jobs, the economy crashing down, people protesting for their freedom. A lot has happened in a year–but, at the same time, not much at all.
We’ve been told to stay at home to work, to educate our kids, to prepare food and eat, even exercise. Travel has been a no-go area. Even walking into a store has seemed like Mission Impossible as you battle your way through hoards of people desperately finding that last package of toilet paper. All of that, yet it still gives us the same feeling of ‘me time’ that we would have got from spending a day at a spa (but with worse skin, let’s not lie to ourselves)
However, while this pandemic has felt like a lifetime, it’s important to know that it won’t last forever. You need to know that it will take some time to readjust to life pre-pandemic.
Here are some of the things you should do to help make the transition easier when the world opens up again.
Get Moving
Whether you embraced the lockdown fitness bandwagon or you lay low and snuggled up safe at home- there’s no harm in either of these things, but you do have to get up and go into the outside world eventually.
If you haven’t moved for a while, your body may end up going into shock if you start to go back to your life outside of your home straight away. Start by stepping outside slowly and taking a little walk a day outside on your street or around the block (while maintaining a safe distance from others). You need to treat yourself as though you are going through rehabilitation–slow and steady. Don’t expect yourself to physically be able to do the things you did before as soon as you start going outside regularly, especially if you have spent the majority of your time at home working.
It’s not too late to find yourself a gentle stretching or aerobic workout online to move your body. Making the most of what your body can do will boost your confidence and general sense of wellbeing.
Bring Your Car Back from the Dead
Most of us haven’t really been using our cars as much as we have had to spend most of our time at home aside from occasional drives to the grocery store. Soon, you’ll be able to start driving again. So, you’ll need to get your car ready for taking longer drives. Get a mechanic to take a look at your car to check things haven’t been damaged by inactivity. Check your oil and water as these things could have frozen or gone past their best meaning your engine may not run properly. Check that your wheels are in good working order, too. Tyre pressure is incredibly important for your safety while driving and the chances are they may have become damaged due to being in one place for a long time. If necessary look for wheels and tyres packages to start fresh. Your engine will need a service, too. Speak to your local garage to get some help.
Prepare Your Pet(s)
Having everyone at home all the time has been great for our pets- unlimited attention and affection, knowing that someone is there for them all the time when they need you–even if they have made unwelcome appearances on your work video calls.
The pandemic has been great for our pets, but soon they will experience the struggle of being separated from you again as you start to transition to the outside world. Take some time to go out and leave your pets for several hours while you go for a drive or a long walk. Make sure to give them praise and attention when you return.
Check on Your Mental Health
One of the biggest things to be impacted by the events of the last year has been our mental health. With so much uncertainty going on in the world, you are bound to feel its effects on how you see yourself and the world around you.
Be kind to yourself as you prepare yourself both practically and mentally for life in the outside world. Start small, don’t rush, but push yourself enough so that you can make the best of the rest of your life in the outside world.
