Ready for re-entry? Returning to normal life after Covid

Citation

Allan J (2021) Ready for re-entry? Returning to normal life after Covid. [Blog Post] 05.04.2021.

Abstract
First paragraph: If I asked you how you’re feeling about returning to normal life post-Covid, would you say that you can’t wait or that you’re feeling a bit apprehensive? Recent surveys[1] suggest that this question splits us 50:50. While “getting back to normal” will be a relief for many, lots of us are approaching the change with some trepidation. Ongoing fears about infection, unease in busy places, anxiety about socialising, pressure to ‘catch up’ and readjust to old routines, even resentment at having to give up the bits of pandemic life that we’ve quite enjoyed: all natural consequences of living through an extended period of stress, uncertainty and isolation. Humans are creatures of habit - we respond to uncertainty and threat by controlling what we can and by carving out new routines. We’ve adapted to routines over the last 12 months that avoid social contact, so it’s no surprise that re-joining a busy, social world feels daunting. If you’d spent a year marooned on a desert island, you’d likely crave rescue but still find the world a bit overwhelming on your return.

People

Professor Julia Allan

Professor in Psychology, Psychology

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