{"id":745,"date":"2021-06-09T13:09:03","date_gmt":"2021-06-09T18:09:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.behavioralhealthmn.com\/blog\/?p=745"},"modified":"2021-06-09T13:47:28","modified_gmt":"2021-06-09T18:47:28","slug":"learning-to-rediscover-normal","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.healthwisemn.com\/blog\/2021\/06\/09\/learning-to-rediscover-normal\/","title":{"rendered":"Learning to Rediscover Normal"},"content":{"rendered":"

In early 2020, life and routines changed for virtually everyone. Now, thanks to science and months of safety precaution, things across the state, the country, and the globe are inching their way toward normalcy. But what does that mean anymore? Keep reading for ideas on which to concentrate while learning to rediscover normal in a post-pandemic society.<\/p>\n

WHAT IS NORMAL?<\/h3>\n

Normal is regular, routine, and ordinary. The \u201cnormal\u201d we knew at the start of 2020 doesn\u2019t exist anymore. Living through a global pandemic was and is a new thing for everyone. And after more than a year of \u201cuncertainty\u201d and \u201cunprecedented times,\u201d our brains are likely still focused on safety.<\/p>\n

So, how do we reprogram our thinking? Well, we need to shift our focus from what we knew to what we know. And we need to reset our ideas and our plans from that new starting point. Change can be difficult, but we\u2019ve already done it once.<\/p>\n

FOCUS ON YOU<\/h3>\n

In one way or another, the past year has been difficult for everyone. That\u2019s to be expected. Adjusting to new routines and societal rules is stressful, especially under these circumstances. And it\u2019s okay to not be okay.<\/p>\n

The most important thing when moving forward is to focus on yourself. So much of what happens in the world is beyond our control, but hone in on what you can regulate: how you spend your time, what makes you happy, how you react to other people and situations.<\/p>\n

Determine what makes you feel joyous, calm, and safe, and direct your attention there. Who do you want to be in the weeks and years ahead? Follow that path to become the best version of you. If needed, the team at Healthwise<\/a><\/span> is always here to help guide you toward that path.<\/p>\n

OUT AND ABOUT<\/h3>\n

The process of reacclimating is different for everyone, and there is no timeline on when you should feel comfortable. Take things at your own pace. Be adaptable to new situations but also be patient and give yourself a break.<\/p>\n

At the same time, be compassionate toward others who may need more time to adjust. Talk with family and friends to see how they\u2019re doing and let them know how you are progressing.<\/p>\n

If everyone seems to be moving at a different pace than you, don\u2019t worry. You\u2019ll get there when you\u2019re ready. Just be sure to let others know your boundaries, too, so that you feel comfortable throughout the process.<\/p>\n

MAKE A PLAN<\/h3>\n

If the thought of getting back out in the world after spending so much time away from it generates feelings of anxiety, you\u2019re not alone. The idea of jumping back into past routines can seem overwhelming when we haven\u2019t engaged in them for so long.<\/p>\n

We\u2019re all a little rusty right now when it comes to social norms. More than that, things that used to seem normal \u2013 like a hug or even a face-to-face conversation \u2013 can now feel awkward, simply because we\u2019ve associated those actions with potential danger for so long.<\/p>\n

TEST THE WATERS<\/h3>\n

Reacclimating to everyday behaviors and interacting with people will understandably take time. Here are some things you can do to get yourself used to being comfortable outside of your isolation bubble:<\/p>\n