As the world we all live in begins its slow and steady return to pre-pandemic life, many introverts are losing their pandemic silver lining; being alone. While most are excited to “get back to normal”, some worry about being back in offices, crowds, and generally crammed situations. If the thought of going to the grocery store makes you anxious, Reporter Cassidy Taylor offers this advice…
The fact is that for a lot of people, the pandemic increased social anxiety. The first step is to understand how stress affects our bodies. Be on the lookout for physical signs of stress like headaches, trouble sleeping, nausea, and changes in appetite. While that is very much the short list, listen to your body and if you feel stressed out by possibly being in a room with 30 people again, talk to your doctor.
Tips for managing your stress include exercise, relaxation, and meditation. Staying active every day, connecting with others that can provide emotional support, and setting daily, achievable goals can also help. Finally, learn to say “no” if you’re overwhelmed.
