How To Ease Back Into Life After Two Years of the COVID-19 Pandemic

With the omicron surge in our rearview mirror, there are some signs that the COVID-19 pandemic may finally be loosening its grip on the globe. But while case rates are lower here in the United States, they’re still elevated in other parts of the world, and certain members of the population might need a second booster.

There are a lot of mixed messages to interpret, and that can cause a lot of anxiety and stress as we shift to this next stage, one in which mandates are rolled back and more pre-pandemic behaviors — like in-office work and no mask requirements — return. To get an idea of how we can handle this transition, we spoke to psychologist Matthew Sacco, PhD.

Why do I feel anxious about a ‘return to normal’?

First and foremost, it’s important to remember that COVID-19 hasn’t gone away. It’s OK to still feel anxious about infection, and it’ll take time for some to adjust to feeling safe out in public after two years of isolation and surges.

“We’re creatures of habit,” says Dr. Sacco. “Just as some of us had issues adjusting to new behavior at the beginning of the pandemic, some of us are going to need extra time to adjust to life as we transition out of the pandemic.”

Additionally, many people developed new routines during the pandemic, settling into different work and school environments and adjusting to those new ways of life. Now, routines are shifting again for many of us, even if we’re not returning to exactly how we were before COVID-19. And that means more stress adjusting to yet another new routine.

Dr. Sacco also says we shouldn’t discount being over-stimulated in returning to a pre-pandemic routine and setting. “If you’ve been working or staying at home, you can mostly control that environment. But when you’re back at the office or out in the world, there’s more to the environment — including new sights, sounds and smells — that can be over-stimulating.”

As you’re readjusting to this setting that you’ve been away from for two years, your brain has to work overtime to process everything. When you’re already removed from your comfort zone, this over-stimulation can cause your anxiety to spike.

What’s the best way to manage the mix of emotions I’m experiencing?

Most of us have never been through a pandemic, so we don’t know the process of reintegrating to normalcy after one. “Everything that a person might be feeling should be considered a ‘normal’ range of reaction to a very abnormal event,” says Dr. Sacco.

Knowing yourself and your emotional tendencies is key to dealing with everything you feel during this surreal time. “The measuring stick should be how much difficulty your emotional adjustment is causing you day to day,” notes Dr. Sacco. “If you’re able to manage it and you feel you’re moving forward in a positive way, just maintain some self-care exercises.”

If your emotions rise to the point where they feel overwhelming, though, consider reaching out to a professional therapist for help. “When it’s interfering with your ability to get through the day, that’s when you need that extra help.

“Control what’s yours to control and trust that what you’re doing is part of the process,” he continues. “Make sure you’ve received both your flu shot and your COVID-19 vaccine and boosters. And remember that everything is not going to be OK just because you say. It takes time and can sometimes be slow. Take care of yourself and be confident in what you’re doing to take care of yourself.”

How should I approach fewer masks and less social distancing?

Masks and standing six feet from one another have been two of the most consistent parameters of protecting ourselves from spreading COVID-19. But states and cities are now rolling back mask mandates and social distancing is slowly becoming a thing of the past.

It’s important to remember that it’s taken us two long years just to get to this point, says Dr. Sacco. “You need to cut yourself some slack because this is still going to take a little time to see what this is all going to look like.”

He adds, “While we go through this experience to see what we’re calling ‘the new normal’ looks like, you should work at your own pace.” In other words, if you find yourself out and about and seeing people not wearing masks in crowded areas, that doesn’t mean you have to follow suit. It’s all about doing what’s best for you and your family.

How can I manage anxiety over returning to in-person work?

For many, the pandemic ushered in a new era of working from home. But as case rates stabilize across the country and vaccination rates increase, some are returning to in-person work for the first time in two years. With the virus still circulating and another round of adjustment on deck, some are experiencing a rise in anxiety.

Dr. Sacco recommends looking for flexibility in your work schedule to see if you can make a slower return to the office. “Talk to your supervisor and see if you can start by maybe returning to the office for a day or two a week to start,” he suggests. “Some places are adopting that hybrid home-and-office model and that may be easier to handle.”

If you’re not able to slow your roll back into the office, though, it’s best to take time to plan and make sure you’re as comfortable as possible. “Make sure you’re controlling what you can,” Dr. Sacco advises. “If you’re anxious about exposure, wear your mask, wash your hands often and do your best to keep your distance as much as you can.”

Again, Dr. Sacco says to be kind to yourself. “Give yourself some grace and patience for getting back into the routine completely. And don’t expect to go right back to how it was two years ago.”

Tips for finding calm

Here are a few ways you can find calm when your anxiety starts to spike in the moment:

• Diaphragmatic breathing. This is a type of breathing that engages your entire abdomen by actively using your diaphragm. “Take some deep belly breaths,” says Dr. Sacco. “It’s easy to do without drawing any attention to yourself and works well as part of a regular self-care routine. Daily practice of 15 to 20 minutes is a great coping strategy.”
• Deep breaths. Even if you don’t regularly practice diaphragmatic breathing, taking five to 10 breaths while you’re sitting at your desk can be effective.
• Meditation. Taking 10 to 15 minutes to practice mindfulness by meditating or utilizing your preferred way to focus on relaxation is also useful when you’re in the office or in public.

Again, it’s all about focusing on what you can control and setting expectations. “If you’re experiencing a lot of anxiety about getting back into crowds, maybe your first foray back shouldn’t be a large sporting event,” says Dr. Sacco.

Instead, focus on small, consistent steps of accomplishment, understanding that there may be some setbacks along the way. In the end, it’s about being kind to yourself and putting yourself in situations in which you feel the most comfortable before taking the next step.