The coronavirus pandemic and lockdowns it necessitated have impacted our lives in numerous ways, but the social aspect is perhaps the most tangible of them all. After months (for some, even a couple of years) of working or studying from home, having all the goods delivered to the door, and even attending online museum exhibitions or live concerts, it’s only natural if you feel overwhelmed by the possibility of freely going out.
After all, going back to “normal” means disrupting the “new normal” we’ve been building over the last few years.
The good news is that if your new old social life stresses you out, there are multiple ways to manage and embrace your reentry anxiety associated with returning to everyday life. Apart from establishing your personal boundaries and practicing mindfulness, you can also use CBD supplements to soothe your nerves, look for ways to reconnect with nature and exercise self-compassion regularly.
Keep reading to learn more about finding your calm.
CBD Supplements
CBD (cannabidiol) is one of the most popular natural remedies for anxiety and stress, and it’s not surprising considering its ability to reduce cortisol levels and promote relaxation. CBD products are available in various forms, including oils, capsules, gummies, and even topicals, like sports creams and salves from CBD NV-US Organics.
If you want to use CBD-based products to reduce anxiety quickly, taking CBD sublingually is probably your best bet. Just place a few drops of CBD oil under your tongue and hold them there for about 60 seconds before swallowing.
In case you’re wondering, CBD is non-intoxicating, so it won’t make you high. However, it may interact with certain medications, so it’s always best to consult your doctor first.
Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness is a form of meditation that allows you to focus on the present moment and be aware of your thoughts, feelings, and surroundings without judgment. It can help you learn how to control your emotions, deal with anxiety and stress more effectively, and make better decisions.
Practicing mindfulness regularly can also improve your sleep quality, boost your immune system, and increase your resilience to stress.
There are multiple ways to practice mindfulness, but one of the simplest is to focus on your breath:
- Start by finding a comfortable position and closing your eyes.
- Then, focus on your breath and count each inhale and exhale until you reach 10.
- Once you’re done, open your eyes and notice how you feel.
You can also try other mindfulness exercises, such as body scan or mindful walking. The key is to be patient and consistent — like with everything else, it takes time and practice to master mindfulness.
Reconnect With Nature
If you want to reduce stress and anxiety naturally, consider spending more time in nature. Numerous studies have shown that exposure to nature can have a positive impact on our mental health by reducing cortisol levels, improving our mood, and increasing our sense of well-being.
Moreover, being in nature can help us feel more connected to others and the world around us, which is especially important if we’ve been feeling isolated for a long time.
There are many ways to reconnect with nature, but one of the simplest is to take a walk in the park or go for a hike in the woods — even a 20-minute walk can have a positive effect on our mental health.
If you live in an urban area, you can also create a small garden or bring some plants into your home; alternatively, you can look for ways to connect with nature virtually, such as by watching wildlife documentaries or taking online courses about botany or gardening.
Exercise Self-Compassion
Self-compassion is the ability to be kind and understanding towards yourself when you’re going through a difficult time. It’s different from self-pity or self-indulgence as it doesn’t involve feeling sorry for yourself or making excuses for your mistakes; rather, it’s about accepting yourself as you are and recognizing that everyone makes mistakes and goes through tough times — including you.
Practicing self-compassion can help you deal with anxiety and stress more effectively as it allows you to see yourself in a more positive light and be more forgiving towards yourself.
There are many ways to exercise self-compassion, but one of the simplest is to treat yourself the way you would treat a friend in a similar situation. So, if you’re feeling anxious or stressed, try to comfort and support yourself instead of beating yourself up — remember that you deserve compassion just like everyone else.
Set Your Boundaries
It’s important to establish your personal boundaries if you want to reduce the stress and anxiety associated with socializing. Remember that you don’t have to do anything you don’t want to do — if you’re uncomfortable with going out or need some time to yourself, don’t force yourself.
You can also try to set limits on the amount of time you spend with other people or the number of events you attend in a week.
It’s also a good idea to create a list of activities you feel comfortable doing and those you want to avoid. For instance, you might feel comfortable meeting up with a friend for coffee but not going to a party; alternatively, you might feel comfortable going for a walk with a friend but not attending a crowded event.
The key is to be honest with yourself and listen to your gut — if something feels wrong, it probably is.
Final Note
If your new old social life stresses you out, there are many things you can do to find calm, including using CBD supplements, practicing mindfulness, reconnecting with nature, exercising self-compassion, and setting your boundaries.
Just remember that it’s okay to take things slow — you don’t have to do everything at once. Start with one or two things and see how it goes; you can always add more later.
