There’s no doubt that post-lockdown, social anxiety is on the rise. After months of being confined to our homes, and only communicating with the outside world via zoom or social media, it shouldn’t come as any big surprise. We all have mixed feelings about being reunited with loved ones and socialising with friends, returning back to the workplace, and venturing once again into the wider world. At times, we may feel excited and relieved that things are returning to ‘normal’. Yet it can also feel incredibly daunting. 

Readjusting to our normal rhythm of life is going to take time. After all, it took us a while to get used to living with lockdown restrictions didn’t it? We’ve now got to adapt to a new way of life again. The fact that it will take the nation time, some of us more than others is okay. 

Managing Post-Lockdown Anxiety in Big Crowds

Encountering a large crowd again can be one of the most frightening aspects of coming out of lockdown. The fear is normally around the thought that we can’t escape or get help if the anxiety intensifies. If someone has experienced a panic attack previously, it can also make them worry that it might happen again, so in effect, it reinforces the fear.

Taking baby steps into each new situation until we feel comfortable can definitely help. Go at your own pace. If the idea of going to a restaurant, shopping centre, sporting or entertainment venue fills you with dread, start off with something else that feels more comfortable, perhaps meeting one friend for a picnic instead. And do speak to your employer if you’re feeling anxious about going back to a communal work place.

It’s also okay to say no if you don’t feel comfortable doing something. Equally it’s fine to cancel plans. Let these be a red light though and speak to a trusted friend or a professional about it and get yourself some help and support. We tell children that worries don’t like the light of day and that they should tell someone because it will make them feel better. As adults, this old-adage can help us too. Like they say a problem shared is a problem halved.

But there will be times when the anxiety can feel overwhelming. It can come in many forms, preventing us from going out altogether, crippling us with fear, prompting emotional outbursts or causing a panic attack when we confront the thing we fear most. Anxiety has also been linked to other mental health problems like depression, stress and OCD.

Mental Health Awareness Week 2021

Mental Health Awareness Week which runs from 10th -16th May serves as a great reminder that our mental health should always come first. The website has some fantastic resources for anyone suffering anxiety including podcasts, stories and tips. 

Interestingly, the theme of Mental Health Awareness Week 2021 is nature. Why? Think back and you’ll remember that millions of us turned to nature during those long, tough months of lockdown restrictions. Going for walks, enjoying green spaces and the abundant nature around us became a coping strategy for many. There’s something fundamentally calming and emotionally enriching about connecting with nature and the big outdoors. The positive impact it has on our mental health is obvious.  

Portable Aromatherapy to Aid Anxiety in Big Crowds

Aromatherapy has the ability to instantly enhance our mood and feelings. That’s why it’s a remarkably powerful tool to use for anxiety. If you’re beginning to feel anxious, apply our soothing  DE STRESS Balm to pulse points (wrists, neck and temples) and inhale deeply three times. Stop. Inhale. Reset. This will help you to keep calm and in control. 

Even better, our portable Wellbeing Ritual Aromatherapy Mini Balms in a Tin are handbag sized balms, to keep with you whilst on the go and perfect to pull out during those difficult moments where you start to feel anxious. Naturally, De Stress is included, but also Happy, Focus, Escape and Sleep Well are in there to help with mindfully transitioning throughout your day and coping with all that the day may throw at you.