There are two dates that will stay etched in my mind this year – firstly the 17th March, the day we started lockdown here in France and secondly today, the 11th May, the date the process of coming out of lockdown starts here.
And, I admit that I’m excited, but also a little bit apprehensive (even terrified) at the same time!
I’m excited to be able to see my family and friends again (and eventually to be able to travel), but I’m a little scared to venture outside my ‘safety bubble’.
Questions that spring to mind are ‘Will I ever be able to walk in heels again?’ and ‘Will I be capable of maintaining a face-to-face conversation?’ But, on a more serious level, we need to be aware that we are returning to a different world than before and that there is a new “normal”.
Little by little, coronavirus lockdown restrictions are easing all around the world, and we are all counting down the days until we can hug our family, throw a party, go to our favourite restaurant and travel again.
We’ve all spent weeks looking forward to this moment, and after all that build-up, it’s impossible not to have high hopes for magical moments.
But, don’t underestimate the period of reintegration — which while exciting, is harder than it looks, and is not without its own risks!
Here are some tips for how to make reintegration a little easier on everyone.
How to Stay Sane Coming out of Lockdown
✨ Temper Your Expectations
Some of your friends and family may have changed, an extended period apart (especially one so emotionally fraught) changes people and those initial feelings of excitement and anticipation to see everyone may wear off and turn to frustration as you notice changes in each other.
Remember that we have all been through this crisis and we all dealt with it the best way we could. For some people that meant regular Skype parties and “Netflix” and for others, that meant withdrawal into a cocoon and working on personal development.
Whichever option you chose is fine, but just don’t expect everyone to be the same as two months ago! Accept and embrace each others progress.
✨Consider what parts of “normal” are worth going back to
In the rush to return to “normal”, take time to consider what parts of “normal” are worth going back to.
Maybe, you always had certain activities that dragged you down emotionally – take advantage of the lockdown to review those activities that you want to return to and eliminate those you don’t.
✨ Don’t over-schedule the first few weeks
The shock of going from being in lockdown to a new routine, where you are going to work, where you can now go for walks, go to the shops can be enough to deal with without adding in a constant list of places to be and people to see. Make sure to schedule some downtime, and continue with your self care routines. (See here for some tips)
✨ Continue to practice any new good habits you have adapted during lockdown
If you have established a daily routine, started exercising, practicing yoga, cooking healthy meals, learning a new skill or practicing gratitude, then it’s important to continue this at the end of lockdown.
Having a routine will help to keep you grounded and ease the transition. However, don’t beat yourself up if you don’t follow your routine 100% – it’s important to be kind to yourself too! I still (and always will!) have days when it all feels a bit overwhelming, and the cookie jar wins out over the routine!
✨Be patient and give yourself permission to just “feel how you feel”
You may experience a feeling of “anti-climax”, but don’t worry if everything doesn’t feel comfortable right away! Ease back into your routines and give yourself permission to feel all kinds of emotions!
You may need some time to settle back into your life and sort out emotions. Go easy on yourself and give it time. There is no right or wrong way to deal with this !
✨ Watch your spending.
You may find it tempting to celebrate the end of lockdown with a shopping spree, but remember to stay within your means. It’s not worth swapping one problem for another and, finally, but most importantly :
✨ Stay prudent and stay safe
It’s important to follow all the advice given, wear a mask, wash your hands regularly, avoid large gatherings and respect social distancing etc. We may be starting to win the battle, but I fear the war is not over yet!
So, yes, let’s remain cautiously optimistic about regaining our freedom to move, but let’s also remain realistic that we don’t know what the future holds. So keep those face masks handy, don’t rush into throwing parties and stay safe!
I hope these tips on How to stay sane coming out of lockdown will help you as we move towards a “new normal”, and have a look here for more of our lifestyle features.
This is a great post and definitely needed. Thanks much for sharing. This whole experience has been overwhelming.
Glad you liked the post, and I agree it has all been a bit overwhelming, but better days are definitely coming… xo
A smuch as I can’t wait for the end of the quarantine here in Montreal, I am also terrified too and I think it is a normal feeling after two months indoor and so many people had died from this. I think the best thing is to take it slow, one day at the time and hopefully we will get this behind us.
Stay safe 🙂
Sonia
http://www.soniaaicha.com
Totally agree, Sonia! I am taking it very slowly – just one day at a time! Stay safe 🙂
Hi Julia, wow congratulations to your new coaching program, must be so exiting to launch something new 🙂
Wish you good luck with it and lots of great clients
Thank you so much Tiziana! It’s exciting but also a little bit scary xo
These are fantastic tips! I can relate to the uncertainty right now, as things are starting to ease up here in Ohio. I want things to be normal again, but I know it’s more like a new normal. And I really don’t trust things yet, since the virus is still out there. I’m just praying my way through, and I trying to continue being productive during this time. I love your tip about continuing all of the good habits!
Make Life Marvelous
Thanks so much Ashley! I’m so glad you like the tips xo
Definitely a good idea not to go too crazy when lockdown is released! Loved this x
Lily
Thanks Lily! Glad you liked it 🙂
Very lovely and thoughtful post… I know it would be a different world altogether now… be safe dear and take all the necessary precautions 🙂
https://www.beautyandfashionfreaks.com
https://www.rampdiary.com
Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed the post! Stay safe too x
Oh, I can totally follow your thoughts, thanks for sharing what you think is helpful now! And wishing you by my heart that also the “new normal” will be the basis for a great life for you!
xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
Thank you so much Rena! I hope the “new normal” will be a great life for you too xo
I am loving the new blog style, Julia! I also enjoyed reading through these tips – they are great. I also have mixed feelings about the restrictions being loosened. The kids are going back to school from next week and although the health advice is that it’s safe, I’m still worried. Gah! What a time to live in, hey? All the best.
Thank you so much Katerina! I enjoyed redesigning the blog – it kept me occupied during confinement! I hope that your kids return to school went well xo
Oh, how wonderful that the quarantine is over for you. We are still sitting at home and slowly going mad. We were allowed to go out and walk, but wearing masks and gloves is not a great pleasure
http://www.recklessdiary.ru
Oh, it isn’t over – we’re just entering phase one of “deconfinement” which means we can go out with masks and gloves! And cafés and restaurants aren’t open yet! But, we haven’t been out at all for 2 months so even a walk is great 🙂
I love your new blog design! Things will start to open up here at the end of the month. I’m okay taking it slow and not rushing into anything. These are great tips!
Jill – Doused in Pink
Thank you Jill! I’m so glad you like the new blog design! It was quite fun doing it and now I’m working on a new website design too xo
Great post! I’m excited, but also quite apprehensive about isolation ending. Obviously I really miss my friends and am VERY excited for restaurant dates again, but I’m just cautious about there being a second wave, especially as Melbourne is just coming into winter. Your new business venture sounds exciting!xx
mia // https://beautiful-inspiring-creative-life.com
Thanks Mia! I totally agree with you – I’m really excited about seeing my friends, going to restaurants and travel, but I agree I’m also very cautious about a second wave! Stay safe x
Julia
I’m so happy that the lockdown confinement measures are being relaxed for you and you are able to visit your family and friends. It is better to exercise caution and your post sums it all in a very helpful way. Enjoy this new normal until the world completely heals. Take care and stay safe and do wear your heels.
Ps- that red dress suits you.
It’s so nice to be able to go out again, even though I barely am! It’s just nice to know I can – and I have worn my heels again (and didn’t fall over!) 🙂
Great things to think about! I am glad you are able to start getitng back to normal. Still a while to go for me in the US sadly!
Tay
Thank you Tay! It’s only phase one here so we still have a while to go too, but it’s good to be able to see the light at the end of the tunnel x
At least there is a feeling of hope. I am excited too, but being cautious is smart.
XOOX
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Thanks Jodie! Yes, I’m definitely feeling more hopeful but proceeding with caution … xoxo
Yes I heard that France is coming out of confinement I spoke to my stepbrother who lives in Paris. He and my niece are goiig to travel a bit, can’t go too far. They can not go to the South of France but can travel. Not sure when we will normal here in NY. But hopefully this summer we will get a bit of break.
Allie of
http://www.allienyc.com
I haven’t done any travelling yet! For now, we are only able to go 100 kms from home, but it’s a start – I can’t wait to go to Paris to see my daughter and I hope I will be able to go to the South of France later this summer xo
The World will never remain the same with this pandemic and we all are slowly getting back to our feet and I totally agree with consider what normal is worth going back to…..
Safety first before anything else
Thank you for your comment! I think it is definitely a good time to reflect on what “normal” is worth going back to x
Really beautifully written and I couldn’t agree more. As much as everyone is excited things will not return to normal for a very long time. xx
Elegant Duchess xx
https://www.elegantduchess.com/
I agree it will take a long time before we get back to any sort of “normal’, but it’s a step in the right direction and a little bit of hope for the future x
It’s definitely a crazy time- things are starting to reopen here, but we’re still staying at home for a bit. Stay safe and well, babe!
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
Yes, I’m proceeding with caution too! Stay safe and well Ashley xo
It sure will be different Julia, I am happy that the restrictions have been eased, but it will take a while before we some form of normality.
xoxo
Lovely
http://www.mynameislovely.com
Yes, I completely agree Lovely. It will take time before we return to some form of normality and I think there will be a “pre” and “post” covid normal. Stay safe xoxo
These are great tips! I think most importantly people need to realize we have to slowly ease into it and normal will look different from now on.
Totally agree Rach – we need to slowly ease into it – baby step by baby step! xo
Great tips here for the end of lockdown in France.
My family is in France and I hope I’ll be able to see them anytime soon. 🙂
xx
Margot
Thank you Margot! I really hope you get to see your family soon. At the moment we still can’t travel more than 100 kms from home, so I haven’t seen my eldest daughter since the start of lockdown, even though she is in France. I hope I will be able to see her soon too x
We are stuck at home until the end of May. This post will help me prep before re-entering like you are now. Praying for peace in your heart as you start to go out. I can’t wait to start seeing people again!
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Thank you Kathrine! I only ventured out once last week and only outdoors but it was lovely to be able to go out again! I hope you are feeling better x
totaly love these tips!
thank you for sharing
Hope you stay healthy and safe
xoxo
style frontier
Thank you! I’m so glad you like the tips! Stay safe xo