written by ERICA DICK. August 5, 2020
Although quarantine has felt like an eternity, it won’t last forever. Already, students are going back to school and companies are reopening their offices and stores. That means that for hypochondriacs and people who have been (rightfully so) taking this seriously, this may come with a bit of panic. As one of these people, I – with the help of my trusty therapist – have come up with some ways to comfortably integrate back into society.
- Know Your Limits
Before you do absolutely anything, it’s really important to know what makes you uncomfortable and what you’re okay with. For example, if you know that seeing people outside from six feet away with a mask will still cause you to worry for 14 days and nights that you’re going to die of Covid-19, take stock of that! There’s no way you can say no when, let’s say, a classmate asks you if you want to study in their apartment if you don’t think in advance of how that will add to your anxiety. Once you know what feels safe to you, you can make decisions accordingly.
- Get Comfortable with Vocalizing These Limits
As a self-proclaimed people pleaser, it’s really easy to know your comfort zone but not voice it. However, this will only backfire. Firstly, because you will have an anxious fit later if you don’t decline going to a bar because you didn’t want to seem overly cautious and like a Debby downer to your friends. Secondarily, however, you don’t want people in your life who will judge you for taking care of yourself. So if you can’t tell a coworker that going back to their apartment for drinks after work makes you uncomfortable, so long, farewell dear friend.
- Always Come Properly Equipped.
While I am no Anthony Fauci, it’s pretty clear that all it takes to avoid corona is hand washing, masks, and a six-foot distance from others. That being said, you can’t have all three all the time when you’re out in the world. So, always have a mask on hand if you end up in a classroom that’s a little more packed than you’d prefer. Or hand sanitizer in your backpack for if you spontaneously pick up a coffee with a friend. You can’t control the pandemic, but you can certainly control whether or not you have your chic mask and Clorox ready to go at all times.
- Have a Back Up Plan
Especially if you’re leaving your hometown to go back to school, it’s important to know your options for getting sick no matter where you are. Call the university (or local) hospital to ask their measures. Research all the testing sites and medical centers in the slim chance that anything happens. It’s less about the literal information and more about reassuring yourself that if you wake up with even the slightest fever, you have the care you need to get back to optimal health.
- Take a Deep Breath
Yes, this one had to go on the list as we too often forget this is the simplest way to destress. Bottom line is that it will be okay. That being said, calming down is always easier said than done. So, find a therapist or a trusted friend you can talk to if it ever becomes too much to handle. Try meditation or even just taking a warm bath with candles when it feels too overwhelming. But rest assured, this won’t last forever and you are absolutely not alone.
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