Return to normal? "Post"-pandemic anxietyIn this “post”-pandemic world, many of us are experiencing re-entry anxiety and anxiety around social engagements. You are not alone.
Last week the Work/Life department hosted Ian Collins, LCSW. He’s the Clinical Director of Triangle Wellness and Recovery in Cary, NC. I found his presentation on anxiety and returning to “normal” to be comforting and practical, and you might too. It is available on demand.
Collins covered two main types of anxiety
- Re-entry anxiety: Yes, it’s real and becoming more prevalent as we return to some of our pre-pandemic activities and assess our new normal.
- Anxiety around social engagements: Also a real phenomenon, especially when we’re faced with potentially divisive conversations around mask wearing and vaccinations.
Adding plants to your office can decrease stress and increase productivity by 15%.A few takeaways from the session:
- Emotions are not good or bad. Not right or wrong. They just are.
- Anxiety affects the body AND the mind. This is different from worry, which occurs in the mind.
- Anxiety impairs function, unlike worry.
- How do we know we’re anxious? Our body gives us clues. Shallow breathing and a racing heart are examples.
- Try to pinpoint what you’re anxious about. Anxiety triggers may include a person, place, image or smell.
Here are some ways to manage anxiety in the moment:
Ways to manage anxiety for the future:
- Have a routine (e.g., wake up and go to bed at the same times, set an intention for the day, have an end-of-work ritual).
- Self-care. Collins says, “it’s like putting money in the bank” (e.g., stay active, put your phone down during intentional times, set boundaries, eat healthy food, take water breaks).
- Do a dry run before returning to work. Initially, work a half day, if possible. Practice a return-to-home routine.
For more ideas on managing re-entry anxiety and anxiety around social engagement, watch the hour-long webcast here. Work/Life provides many helpful resources for mental health and stress management, including the Employee Assistance Program.
Takeaways from a Work/Life webinar
Feature StoryRE: Return to normal? "Post"-pandemic anxietyThanks for sharing, @J_Marquardt !
Very good tips for managing anxiety.
Re: Return to normal? "Post"-pandemic anxiety@chulhee_min_jmp - after the 1+ year we've had, I was eager for advice! This webinar was helpful.
