Posted on Tue 13 Jul 2021 at 17:27 by
Megan Crossman It's my 3rd week as your Community Officer and I've been busy with all sorts of exciting projects, which I'll be sure to update you on throughout the year! But for now, I wanted to share some thoughts and guidance in advance of UK restrictions lifting on the 19th July.
There are a number of ways you may be feeling about this upcoming change. Some people are feeling excited to get back to normal life, but for many, restrictions lifting may also be associated with other feelings, such as anxiety, worry or apprehension.
It is totally understandable to be feeling concerned or nervous about the lifting of restrictions. For the past 15 months, we've had lockdowns, social distancing, and face masks and we've been working to "adapt to the new normal". So adapting back to our old normal may take a little bit of time!
If you are feeling worried in anticipation of next week, it's important that you take care of yourself as things change. Here are a few tips to take care of your mental health to make it easier to adjust:
Do Things at Your Own Pace and Respect Others' Paces
Just because things are opening up, doesn't mean you have to say yes to everything straight away. It's okay to take things step by step, at your own pace, and start with the things you feel comfortable doing. Equally, be aware that everyone will have different comfort zones - if one of your friends doesn't feel comfortable going to an event, make sure to be respectful and supportive of their decision.
Make Time to Relax
After 15 months of restrictions on seeing others, it may be overwhelming to see people all the time. It's okay to want to spend some regular time by yourself to relax - adjusting to this change can be quite tiring!
Talk to Others About How You're Feeling
When you're surrounded by people who are excited for restrictions to lift, it can feel like you're alone in your worries. But a lot of people are also feeling anxious about the change, so it's worth chatting to those around you about how you're feeling. It's also important to communicate your comfort zone with others where possible - before going to a social event, chat with your friends about the situation to make sure everyone is on the same page. Being aware of everybody's fears and expectations can help to make sure everyone feels comfortable.
Reach Out for Support
If you'd like to talk about your worries further, The SU and university have a number of services you can contact. All of these services will be available throughout the summer, as well as during the academic year. Here are a few that may be helpful:
Look after yourselves x
Meg, sucommunity@bath.ac.uk