[BeaFlower]

Hi all. It's a while I don't make posts.
At the end of February the place where I work (with children) closed for a while due to coronavirus. Of course we didn't know exactly for how long. At the beginning I was very sad, because I really like my job in general (though I had just began) and also just for the sensation of working and being a bit more independent. But now it's possible that we begin again soon and...well, I don't love the idea I know I should be happy to go back to normal, but...let's say I got used to stay at home and now it's difficult to go back to doing things outside.
At the beginning I thought I wasn't even interested anymore in going out for a walk with friends and so on, but then I saw that after a time or two I could enjoy it again. But it feels different...first of all I wasn't alone, but with friends or family, and then this was just a lack of interest, not really anxiety. Instead with work it's different. Using the public transports again, meeting people, probably having to call the parents to get the appointments...some of these things gave me some anxiety also in past, now even more, after such a long pause.
It's not sure yet how much I'll do, next week I should meet people at work and we should get organized, then we will probably contact the families and see who wants to begin now and in which days. Hope to can have a comfortable schedule at least, and with some free days, so I can gradually adjust. I can't know yet though.
Anyone has similar troubles with going back to doing things? Have you suggestions?

[Yaowen]

Dear Beaflower,

Since I am retired, I do not have to return to work but I would be very concerned and worried about returning to work while SARS-COvid-19 is still circulating and there is not a safe and effective vaccine or cure for it. So I can definitely relate to what you must be feeling. And since I also suffer anxiety, I would also feel anxious about returning to work. I hope you get many responses to your post. I wish you only the very best!

Sincerely yours, Yao Wen

[Bill3]

My thought is to remember how well you previously have done when taking on new things. In the past, there was anxiety and it was challenging to move forward. Nevertheless you put your mind to the task and moved forward successfully anyways!

What if you reflect on how you yourself did that, on how you yourself overcame anxiety?

You did it many times in the past and you can do it again!

[BeaFlower]

Thanks to both. Yes, it's true that in past it went well...but you know, it feels so "new" and strange now It's not much about the fear of getting the virus, it's just strange to go back to "things".

[Bill3]

You can do it!

[MissUdy]

Hi, I have been to work through the pandemic as I work in a hospital. It was very scary at first especially as we had no rules on social distancing and no ppe and people didn’t seem to know what was going on and who was sick, which clinics were running etc.

After a couple of weeks when I got in to a routine of washing my hands before touching anything ,keeping them away from my face and focusing on what I could control I felt better. I think it’s just getting used to the new normal. It will be ok, I take my own moisturiser that smells really nice and use that when I feel really stressed at work. Helps with the dry hands from the alcohol gel too.

[Discombobulated]

Thank you Bea Flower for sharing these feelings with us, I think many of us can relate.

It's been an unsettled crazy time in many ways, our lives have been shaken up. It is natural how you feel, it is normal.

I went back a few weeks ago. I was nervous. Almost straight away though I felt better.

What helped me feel better was seeing my colleagues, having those ordinary conversations, and also deeper ones about the last few months.

I noticed things that previously bothered me in my job did not as much after lockdown. For me I got a massive sense of perspective from the last few months.

What else helped me was discussing with a friend who also had anxieties returning, that made me feel less alone.

Please remember you have adapted to your lockdown life and this shows you are resourceful and strong. You can do this!

[BeaFlower]

Thank you so much
I went that day and it went well...you were right, I almost immediately felt used to it...also to the public transports, that seemed scary. The problem is, it seems many parents don't feel ready yet to bring children there, or maybe they are tired after these months of online teaching, I don't know...however, it seems most of "my" children aren't coming back till September, if not all I know I said I wasn't looking forward to going back to work, but also staying totally at home doesn't sound ideal. Hope at least someone will come, also if it's not every week...at least I would do something useful sometimes. I'll see.

[Bill3]

.

[Discombobulated]

You did great - well done!