Post Lockdown Anxiety – Tips to Manage it

Needing help with anxiety, weight, habits….?

As a generation, we’ve never been so anxious — and then along came coronavirus. From the moment the pandemic took hold and businesses around the world shut down, occupational burnout was replaced with fears over job security and financial stability.

Instead of social anxiety, we were now dealing with loneliness and concern for the safety of loved ones. Meanwhile, as many of us were forced into isolation, our usual ‘Fear-Of-Missing-Out’ gave way to anxieties over social distancing, getting ill and a general unease about the future.

But as various lockdown measures start to lift across the world, we’re seeing increased reports of a new kind of anxiety: ‘post-lockdown anxiety’.

It’s the fear or worry of returning to normal life and leaving lockdown.  This can develop from many places – the most common seems to originate from health worries or a fear of the unknown. It can range from a worry of being in public spaces to a fear of leaving the house in general.

How do you know when you’re experiencing post-lockdown anxiety?  

Some of the top signs to look out for include: recurring thoughts or worries about the future, feeling unsettled or tense, issues with sleeping, constantly checking the news or social media about Covid-19 or lockdown rules, and in extreme cases, possible panic attacks.

What are the ways in which we can help manage this anxiety?  

Take one day at a time; don’t try and think about what it will be like for the next few months, just focus on today and tomorrow, as it won’t be so overwhelming.

Accept that there are things you can’t control and many that you can; you can’t control the lockdown lifting, but you can control how much news you consume and how much time you give to thinking about a post-lockdown life.

Focus on positive coping strategies such as exercise, meditation, walking outside and fresh air rather than food, drink or smoking.

Monitor your inner dialogue; are your thoughts helpful or are they contributing to your feelings of anxiety?

Hypnotherapy for Anxiety

Hypnotherapy for anxiety can help boost feelings of confidence and self-belief while reducing feelings of fear and intense worry.  It can help you to develop the ability to access the relaxed state of mind needed to overcome the often overwhelming emotions that come with anxiety.

Using the power of suggestion while you are in a very relaxed state, hypnosis aims to access your subconscious mind and promote positive change.  The suggestions themselves can be tailored to help you learn what triggers your anxiety and why, as well as changing the way you react towards them.

Many of us have also found that we have gained the ‘Coronavirus Stone’, or we are drinking more alcohol than is healthy.  Hypnosis is a fast, effective, safe way of helping you to shed those excess lbs, and regain control over your habits.

For a free telephone consultation, do get in touch. 

This article was originally published in the Trinity Spotlight June edition.