re-entry in a pandemic: back to the future

we are not the same people and the world is not the same place

The door to our pre-pandemic world seemingly stands before us. Vaccines are becoming more accessible and some COVID-19 restrictions have loosened. We simply have to open the door and return to our pre-pandemic life, right? Back to the future we know? If only it were that simple. Our previous reality has vanished. Millions of lives have been lost and millions more suffer from the consequences of the pandemic. The world is not the same and we are not the same people we were before our collective trauma. Many of us lost loved ones, friends or colleagues, and most of us feel as though a year of our life proceeded at warped speeds with the fast forward button pushed on major life events such as births, childhood milestones, and deaths, and the pause button pushed on regular family dinners, work activities, date nights, school, and travel. Even routine and renewing community were abandoned. We cannot go back to the future because we are not the same people and the world is not the same place that it was more than a year ago.

the forced pandemic pause has also led many people to reconsider what is vital and sustaining in their daily lives - what matters most?

Re-entry can be a difficult transition after any major change in circumstances and is often considered in regards to people socially isolated in Antarctica for months, soldiers returning home, survivors of major illnesses, people returning from jail, and other people who have faced an isolating, reality or/and life-changing trauma. While the social isolation, lockdown, and group trauma may be at a different level than other traumatic re-entry events, the collective loss of life, prolonged period, and disrupted daily reality has set the stage for a potentially stressful or awkward transition back to “normal” life. In fact, nearly 50% of Americans feel “uneasy” about future in-person interactions (regardless of vaccine status) and 46% report that they are not comfortable returning to their pre-pandemic way of life. While this re-entry stress is widespread, the forced pause has also led many people to reconsider what is vital and sustaining in their daily lives — what matters most?

maybe, it is time to find bits of awe and joy every day

After a year of pods, “maskne,” eating at home, and social distancing, the thought of noisy traffic, crowded sidewalks, and busy restaurants may feel slightly overwhelming and carry some degree of sensory overload. After all the loss and isolation, the noise of life may be too loud. Yet, the best way to handle this may be to explore little bite-sized pieces of our brave new world. This allows for a period of recovery and adjustment before venturing out again. Taking the baby steps of trying one re-entry experience at a time — a dinner, a walk in the city or afternoon in the park — may ease the transition. As with other stressors, starting with being present and mindful of our feelings and other people’s feelings helps deescalate our internal situation and allows us to zoom out. This may include practicing breathing techniques (as described in a previous post), using a mindfulness application, connecting with a loved one, discussing re-entry concerns with a supportive friend, spending green time outdoors, practicing gratitude, creating something that brings us joy (art, food, music, dance, woodwork, writing), exercising, practicing acts of kindness, building self-compassion, and doing activities that inspire awe. Abundant research supports these activities as ways to lower the stress response and even build resilience. We will dive into these recommendations in other pieces but maybe, it is time to find bits of awe and joy every day.

We may not know exactly what lies on the other side of the door but re-entering at our own pace with intention, mindfulness, and compassion for ourselves and for others will help us get back to our new future with greater ease and more joy.

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This piece is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice.