Ok, Let’s Get Going…It’s Time To Party!
Can you believe it?! It’s finally time to start meeting up with people again and making plans. I thought this time would never come but here it is - yeah!
Being stuck inside watching re-runs and zoom quizzes has been tough and the lack of variety, social interaction and having nothing in the diary to look forward to has been hard to deal with.
So, in celebration of our end of lockdown, I’ve put together some quick tips to help you plunge into life in the fast lane and make the most out of post-pandemic life.
1. GET EXCITED
Make a list of five things that you would love to do in the next three months. This can be anything from having a picnic, visiting your friend and her new baby, going to your favourite bar, going to a theme park (this is me) or go into a big festival - whatever floats your boat. Write down what you need right now to release your energy and make you happy. Then start planning like it’s a Royal wedding. Allow yourself to feel the release of having some variety in your life and something to look forward to. I’ve just booked the Harry Potter Studio tour for June - yippee.
2. MANAGE YOUR EXPECTATIONS
I know you are chomping at the bit to get going and so you should be excited - thank you very much. However, be careful of assuming those expectations will match those around you. Be mindful that not everybody (even those who are super confident and have been your drinking buddy in the past) may be ready to start where they left off.
So, when booking and making plans it is wise to factor in/prepare for cancellations from other people and/or for your plans to change quickly. This may take some adjustments on your part and whilst this is annoying, try to not take this personally. It doesn’t mean they don’t care, are flaky or they don't want to spend time with you - it might just be too much too soon for some. We all have been through something traumatic and our nervous systems are still adjusting to the end of lockdown, and having a plan B (and a plan C) up your sleeve means you can still enjoy your day regardless.
3. WFH - NO Thanks!
You’ve got that spring in your steps and finally you are out of the house wearing clothes that do not have an elasticated waist and drawstrings -oh yeah! It’s time to get back to the office, get excited about putting on your business attire and be around the buzz of humans in-person rather than pixelated zoom calls. So, this tip isn’t about motivating you, this is about managing your energy so you don’t burn out.
When returning to work you might find yourself trying to lift peoples’ spirits and being the beacon of hope in the office. And whilst others are entitled to feel sad and anxious about coming back to work, you also have a right to feel happy and look forward to the return of social aspects such as lunch meetings and evening drinks.
Whilst it’s not wise to spread ‘toxic positivity’ and add flippant remarks such as “Cheer up, it might never happen!”, the reality is that you will be navigating a sea of emotions from others and it might take its toll on your happiness. With this in mind, I suggest meeting people where they are at.
Allow their emotions and yours to blend into the canvas of dark and light shades that will be painted from everyone. But note, your shade of colour is just as worthy and finding like-minded people who are painting the same shade might just keep your spirits up throughout this transitional period.
Shine your light bright
It’s difficult to know what sea of emotions you will experience from others when you first get out there but know that your energy, zest for life and eagerness to bring a sense of fun, adventure and variety to life will be the hope that others will cling to.
Be mindful to allow others the space to be who they are whilst allowing yourself to shine your light bright and navigate your expectations as you do so. Have an awesome time getting back into the swing of things - you sure do deserve a drink, dance and good sing-a-long with your nearest and dearest.
Comment below and let me know what your plans are and how you have been dealing with your friends, family and colleagues who maybe less than impressed with your cheery demenour.
I’ll see you out there. I’ve just got to perfect my swish and flick ready for the Harry Potter studios - I can almost taste the butterbeer!
M
x
KEEP READING: End Of Lockdown Series By Michelle Thole:
Part 1: For the bosses, managers and team leaders
Part 3: For the super nervous and anxious about change
Part 4: For the blah and languishing
