A Guide to Coping with Life After Lockdown

After navigating lockdown restrictions and living in a world where, at times, it felt positively apocalyptic (note the loo roll shortages, empty high streets, and cancelled Christmas plans), we now have to get to grips with returning to our ‘new’ old routines that once defined the pre-Covid era.

And while some of us can’t wait to embrace our loved ones, jump back on crowded commuter trains (okay, perhaps a minority), or nosedive into a throng of sweaty festival-goers, many of us are feeling increasingly anxious about readjusting to a post-lockdown world.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed at the thought of making social plans (remember those?), returning to work, or mixing with different households, rest assured, you’re not alone. There are plenty of ways to make this transition easier.

Moving from the slower pace of lockdown life to the hustle and bustle of regular activities can feel daunting, particularly when confronted with potential anxiety triggers, such as engaging in workplace small talk or using public transport. A common response might be to avoid such situations altogether, but this tends to perpetuate stress and fear.

A helpful strategy is to take gradual steps and ease yourself into daily life. If you feel anxious before leaving the house, that’s okay. You could try grounding techniques like meditation, deep breathing, or positive affirmations.

Above all, avoid comparing yourself to others and practise self-compassion. Everyone navigates situations differently, and it's important to honour your individual needs as you transition out of lockdown.

We may feel a tad rusty when it comes to the art of socialising. But who can blame us? It’s been an alien concept for almost a year now!

And yet, genuine human touch, real contact, and actual hugs – not just seeing pixelated faces on FaceTime or Zoom – are essential for our happiness. We need them to feel human.

As we ease back into socialising, do so gradually: schedule a few activities you thoroughly enjoy with trusted friends or family who make you feel good. Then, slowly increase your commitments.

Avoid the temptation to overfill your diary right away. And remember, prioritise rest and downtime amidst all the socialising. Balancing social engagements with moments of relaxation is also important.

Connecting and communicating with those around you can be incredibly beneficial during this transitional period. If you're feeling concerned about emerging from lockdown, avoid keeping those worries to yourself – talk about them.

For instance, you might feel apprehensive about commuting to work or returning to the office. That's perfectly okay – many others are likely experiencing similar feelings. You may wish to chat with your boss or HR manager about making this adjustment easier. Remind yourself that your employer has a duty of care to support you.

While the series of national lockdowns undoubtedly protected us from the threat of Covid-19, they weren't always conducive to our overall wellbeing. For many of us, regular exercise, nutritionally-dense meals, and connecting with our loved ones were replaced with alcohol, Netflix, and one too many takeaways, leading to those infamous 'coronavirus kilos'.

But, hey – life was stressful back then. We all needed comfort.

Now that lockdown is behind us and spring is well underway, it's important to re-evaluate and prioritise our health.

Make a conscious effort to move your body daily (why not head back to your favourite workout class now that gyms have reopened?), eat well, get plenty of fresh air each day, sleep smart, and relax when needed.

With socialising and gatherings on the horizon, it’s a good idea to consider your post-lockdown immune health. As with any fighting force, your immune system needs proper fuel and nutrition. The following nutrients may help to give your immune system an extra nudge as you move out of lockdown.

Also known as the ‘sunshine vitamin’, vitamin D3 is a critical addition to your post-lockdown arsenal. Besides contributing to the normal function of the immune system, vitamin D also supports healthy inflammatory responses. Find it: Sardines and mushrooms.

Zinc is involved in hundreds of processes in the body. This mineral contributes to normal skin function – a physical barrier against infection – and the normal function of the immune system. Find it: Lentils and pumpkin seeds.

A powerful antioxidant, vitamin C supports the normal function of the immune system, making it essential for your health post-lockdown. Your body can’t produce this vitamin, so you need to get it from your diet. Find it: Spinach and kiwi fruit.

Besides reducing tiredness and fatigue, iron supports normal immune function. Changes in your iron status can affect the body’s immune defences in different ways, so it’s vital to ensure a regular and plentiful intake after lockdown. Find it: Dried apricots and dark green leafy vegetables.

If you're feeling fragile at the moment, it's okay. To give your mind some additional TLC as we head out of lockdown, you may wish to consider these nutrients.

Recognised by its yellow, star-shaped flowers, St John’s Wort is a traditional herbal remedy used for the relief of mild anxiety and slightly low mood.

Colloquially known as ‘nature’s tranquilliser’, magnesium supports normal psychological and nervous system function, making it a helpful addition for emotional wellbeing.

Nutritionists often recommend adaptogenic herbs like Ashwagandha, Siberian Ginseng, and Korean Ginseng to balance the nervous system.

The amino acid found in green and black teas, theanine, is a great addition for those looking to support mental performance and nervous system function.

Enjoy your taste of freedom. Just remember to go at your own pace; there's no rush.

If you found this article useful, you can discover similar guidance on Nutrition Buzz. Alternatively, please get in touch with our team of expert Nutrition Advisors, who are on hand to provide free, confidential advice via email, phone, and Live Chat.