In recent weeks, we’ve taken a look at the impacts and effects of lockdown during what has been an unprecedented time.
It is inevitable, therefore, that such a drastic change in circumstances has resulted in many people experiencing low morale and mood swings. After all, our routines having been massively altered and our friends and colleagues are now only available at the end of the phone or via a video chat. We’re also surrounded by a constant stream of negative news emanating from all media sources.
However, there is light at the end of the tunnel, with COVID-19-associated deaths seemingly on the decrease around the world. The social distancing and self-isolation measures are working, and it is now possible to contemplate what life will be like once the worst is behind us.
Will life go back to ‘normal’?
It would, however, be irresponsible to think that everything will ‘go back to normal’ within the coming months or even years. There will likely be caveats with regards to the number of people able to enter shops at one time, while pubs, bars and clubs could conceivably remain closed until the summer. It is essential for everyone to head into this period of readjustment knowing that, without access to a vaccine, things will not be the same as they once were.
Experts at the University of East Anglia have recently announced that they are set to study the long-term psychological and physical impacts of lockdown, with volunteers being assessed for many months going forward.
Loneliness levels may rise
It is already well known that isolation and loneliness go hand in hand, while there are a growing number of scientists and psychological experts that believe it will be difficult to escape the ‘isolation mindset’ even once any extensive period of quarantine ends. This recently led to an extensive piece in Psychology Today which examines the idea that loneliness levels may rise as our freedom is returned to us.
Everyone is going through an unusual time right now; we are, to some extent, living through an ongoing psychological experiment, and it is essential to realise that even once we are released from our homes, the adjustment will take time and effort. For many, simply going on a bus, train or heading into the office will be uncomfortable given that it has been out of bounds for so long.
Looking after your health
Looking after one’s health, both mental and physical, is going to be increasingly important in the coming months, especially when it comes to managing work-related stress and coming to terms with a slightly altered living environment. Lack of work boundaries or poor dieting during lockdown has a tremendous effect on your physical and mental health and as a consequence to increase your life stressors. If you are struggling to find your motivation levels and to get a better understanding of how best to adapt to these potentially monumental lifestyle changes, get in touch today. As an experienced Health Psychologist, I can help you improve your quality of life.
