Tips for easing ‘Freedom day’ anxiety

For a long time, all we have talked about is wishing for Lockdown to be over, for the restrictions to ease, for life to go back to ‘normal’. For ‘Freedom day’ Many of us, however, are feeling anxious about what this really means as July quickly approaches. Here are a few tips to help ease this lockdown anxiety… 

1. Be kind to yourself

Its important to remember that our socialisation has been limited for over a year so its completely normal and understandable if you feel anxious about seeing people and hanging out again. It’s important to validate and acknowledge those feelings, so don’t be hard on yourself if you come home from a social event and you feel exhausted or drained or low. You are not wrong or bad for feeling this way, in fact it’s a normal response. So, in those moments, acknowledge the feeling and then take look after yourself because self-care and love are so important. Watch one of your favourite films, paint your nails, listen to a podcast, play some sport, bake some brownies, do things you enjoy. 

2. Boundaries and time out

This leads on to point two. Boundaries and time-out are key. Give yourself permission to leave an event if you need to. Maybe say to yourself I will stay for an hour or two and then re-evaluate. If you are exhausted or stressed, you can go home, or, if you’re having a fun time, you can choose to stay longer. If suddenly your week is overwhelmed with social events, you could set aside an afternoon or a day for you. A day to do some self-care or just to chill. Set aside time for yourself. Sometimes we get so wrapped up in making time for others, we forget that we need to do that for ourselves as well!

3. Plan (things you look forward to)

Plan in fun things to look forward to! Maybe its playing Crazy golf with some friends or going out for a meal! This can help ease the anxiety as you are doing something you know you will love. Though it is so important to take time out, it’s also great to hang out with others. Planning events and activities with people you feel really comfortable around or doing something that you really enjoy might help or be a way to ease you back into social life. 

4. Glam and confidence

Lastly, something that is helping me is the power of a favourite outfit. Wear something that makes you feel confident. Or do your hair and make-up, wear some nice jewellery, or your favourite shoes! Wearing something that you love can just help you feel more prepared and more confidant within yourself. While you get ready put on a playlist that makes you feel good and empowered! 

Remember that everyone is in the same position. Chances are a lot of people are feeling anxious or stressed about a social event as no one has been able to for a long time. This past year has been completely out of the ordinary, so be proud of yourself for coming through it!

We hope these tips help you out! The end of lockdown can be both a thing to look forward to but also something to be scared of, and that’s okay! If you liked this article, you may also enjoy: