Many of us have experienced the relief of taking off the physical masks we have worn throughout the pandemic. We have waited so long to reemerge, but as we peel away our layers of protection, there is an underlying sense of discomfort and uncertainty. There is also a sense that our unmasked selves have shifted and re-aligned through a period of pandemic-induced discovery. How do we move forward unmasked and re-enter society while accounting for the changes, feelings, and adaptations we have made throughout this time?
“Re-entering does not mean we are all going to do it at the same pace,” said NYC-based psychotherapist and mental health professional Jamie Olken on a recent episode of Generation W’s conversation series REfresh. We had a great conversation about handling re-entry and identifying our own speed while acknowledging the pace of others. Here are some valuable takeaways:
Go to where YOUR comfort level is – It is okay to have a range of feelings as you take steps toward re-entry. Decide where you are going to enter and at what rate. “Today it could be an elbow bump, a month from now it could be a hug.”
Slow and steady wins the race – Previously, we might have felt the need to rock-n-roll all the time, but there’s something nice about going a little slower. Navigate re-entry at your own pace and slow down if something is not working for you. Start small – “Don’t go to a party of 200. Go to someone’s house to sit and talk.”
It is okay to make changes that are better for you NOW – From something as minimal as putting heels on again to more major career or life shifts, it is important to re-evaluate and identify elements of comfort vs discomfort. Maybe you decide never to don heels again or change your quarantine hobby into a full-time gig – embrace it.
Take off your mask and LISTEN – Talk to your children, spouses, family, friends, neighbors, and community. Respect that we are all re-entering at different paces and share concerns without judgment.
BE KIND TO YOUR MIND – “Don’t judge yourself harshly. Judge yourself kindly.” Make sure you continue to take care of yourself and have self-grace. Reach out when needed and rely on your community for support.
