Worried about the end of lockdown? Here’s how introverts can cope with going back to ‘normal’

For a lot of people, the opening up of cities as vaccination drives speed up and things go back to pre-pandemic routines is something to look forward to. But there are some people who are totally dreading the transition – introverts Yes, if you got used to enjoying alone time in your single room PG in Bangalore, you might not be super excited about the lockdown ending soon. Just remember, you’re not on your own. There are a lot of people who feel drained or uncomfortable in social situations, and after spending over a year at home, it’s quite natural for these feelings to be exacerbated.

So natural, in fact, that psychologists have given a name to this new phenomenon – it’s called reentry fear, or the fear of entering society after a year of isolation due to the anxiety that social interactions prompt. And it’s true that reentry fear isn’t something that only introverts can be affected by, but chances are that we’re going to face it a lot more than extroverts. So if you were someone who was thriving through lockdown and social distancing, that contentment doesn’t have to end. Because we’ve got you some tips to help you combat your reentry fear and be your best self even in a post-pandemic world. Let’s dive in.

You’re not alone

The first thing that could help you alleviate your anxiety is remembering that you’re not alone in your reentry fear. Thousands of people around the world share your apprehensions. And more importantly, you’re definitely not the only one navigating the awkwardness of returning to ‘normalcy’. Even the most outgoing people will face a few teething problems while socialising after spending so much time at home. So, any time you feel the stress levels building, remind yourself that everyone’s in the same boat and you can get through it together.

Build some resilience tactics

Training yourself to face your reentry fear is much the same as tackling any other stressor that leaves you challenged. And you’ve just survived a whole global pandemic, you’re not about to let a phobia get the better of you. So, practice building some coping skills and tactics that will help you get through awkward or uncomfortable situations. Deep breathing and meditation have both been proven to have a positive impact on anxiety and can be a quick way for you to calm down. You could also try journaling to record and question your thoughts around reentry. Perhaps you’ll be able to identify negative patterns that you’ve fallen into and help yourself break out of them.

Baby steps

As social distancing norms ease, more and more parts of society are going to open up. Whether it’s going to work in person or attending social gatherings, you’ll find your events calendar getting crowded once again. And that could be causing some apprehension within you. That’s when it’s important for you to remember to take things one step at a time. Just because theatres and restaurants are open, doesn’t mean you have to immediately rush to them. You can start off slow, building up to bigger events, so that you can ease yourself back into social interactions.

It’s okay to say no

As an introvert, you’re probably familiar with declining invitations occasionally. But post the pandemic, you might feel pressured to interact with people you were separated from for the past year. And the prospect of those interactions and reunion events might be causing a lot of anxiety for you. So, remember that it’s okay to say no. You don’t need to accept every invite that comes your way. As long as you’re polite and give plenty of notice before declining, it’s quite likely that no one will mind you bowing out. So, take care of yourself and don’t give in to pressure.

Strike a balance

Of course, when it comes to work or family obligations, you may not always have a choice to opt out. But at the same time, increased social interactions could be leaving you drained and uncomfortable. That’s why it’s important to balance your privacy and your social outings. Make sure you schedule plenty of alone time in between interactions so that you have a chance to recharge yourself. That’s where living in a professionally managed accommodation like Stanza Living comes in very handy. You’ll be able to strike the perfect balance between privacy and community here. You can retreat to your room when you need some me-time, but there’ll be plenty of people around when you need some company, and even community events for you to enjoy without ever leaving the building. This balance between isolation and interaction is perfect for introverts like you.

With these tips, you should be able to negotiate the return to ‘normalcy’ and social interactions without too much discomfort. Remember that you’re not alone, and that you have the resilience to cope with reentry. Welcome to the post pandemic world.