As we reach the light at the end of the lockdown tunnel there are more than a few people feeling anxious about returning to their ‘normal’ routines and lives. After becoming accustomed to living in our bubbles and having little need to deal with public transport, the wider community, school, workplaces, colleagues and face-to-face meetings, it’s completely understandable that there is some nervousness in the air.
Lockdown fatigue is a major factor in how we’re feeling and there’s no denying it’s troublesome for a lot of us. Lockdown fatigue is described as:
‘A state of exhaustion caused by the long-term effects of COVID-19 and the changes it has caused to every aspect of your life…’ – Macquarie University, Sydney Australia
Fatigue in any form is unpleasant. Some of the symptoms people experience from lockdown fatigue may include:
- Outbursts of frustration, anger and irritability
- Sadness
- Depression
- Anxiety and fear
- Poor sleep
- Behavioural changes such as: over or under-eating, increased reliance on alcohol, cigarettes or drugs
- Lack of motivation and not enjoying activities you usually love
- Difficulty focusing, prioritising, problem-solving and decision-making
- Difficulty in maintaining a routine
- Negative thoughts like ‘I’m over this’, ‘I’m so tired, I’ve got no motivation’, ‘It’s hard to get out of bed’ or ‘I can’t stand this anymore’
That’s a long list of ways the lockdown has affected many people. And now, despite possibly suffering from one or more of these symptoms, we have to return to our pre-lockdown routines.
Don’t get me wrong, the lockdown ending has many positive elements to it and is exciting in many ways. However, for some it’s just plain scary.
Regardless of whether you suffered any of these lockdown fatigue symptoms, coming out of lockdown really just spells more change for all of us. And whilst we as humans are incredibly adaptable beings, the changes we face at the end of lockdown could induce feelings of panic and anxiety. Especially for anyone who suffered from anxiety pre-pandemic.
Change is often uncomfortable but for some of us, change is a major challenge. Change can make you feel sick to the stomach and bring on the dreaded ‘cold-sweats’. Even though you may be returning to exactly the same routine and life as before lockdown, you may not be comfortable about it and there are probably things you’re dreading.
Trust me, you’re not alone and it’s COMPLETELY NORMAL to feel like this. Remember it was hard to adjust to the routine of lockdown so, it’s only natural that coming out of it will take time to adjust too.
For those who are struggling with anxiety, whether it be from lockdown fatigue or the thought of facing the world again, help is at hand. Hypnotherapy is extremely effective in helping you to manage and even break free from debilitating anxiety, panic and/or fear.
Anxiety is your unconscious mind’s protective mechanism. Your unconscious mind works to protect you day and night and has programmed your natural responses to situations and environments from past experiences. The problem is, when you experience excessive or ongoing ‘fight or flight’ response you become anxious. And in today’s busy lifestyle the constant stimuli can get that ‘fight or flight’ program running on repeat …and changes with coming out of lockdown can really push that ‘on’ switch.
When we live in a constant state of anxiety it causes harm both emotionally and physically. But you don’t have to live with it. With hypnotherapy you can access the unconscious mind to address the very source of the issue – that which is causing the fear-response program.
Hypnotherapy calms the mind and body and releases negative beliefs introducing new positive messages and response patterns that allow you to let go of unwanted negative thoughts and behaviour.
When you address the source of the issue and let go of the emotional baggage you can heal and move forward with calm, confident changes. You can FREE YOURSELF from anxiety.
If you are dreading the changes that the end of lockdown will bring, scared of leaving your house and safe-bubble, worried about having to deal with going to work, concerned about travelling around in the wider community, feeling sick about dealing with strangers or any aspect of the upcoming change, book yourself in for a session of letting go and self-healing.
You’ll not only let go of the anxiety but will leave with a calmer mind and feel more confident and in control. Most importantly, you’ll be able to cope with the changes and go about your daily life possibly better than you did you pre-lockdown – imagine how amazing that would feel!
Remember to also be kind and gentle with yourself during times of change – it’s important in these times that you aren’t too hard on yourself. Try not to go from zero to one hundred in one day – that goes for social engagements too!
If you are interested in learning more about hypnotherapy please reach out.
To contact me for a FREE 20-minute consultation please book here: https://calendly.com/juanitabarton/20min or email me on: juanita.activatehypnotherapy@gmail.com
You can set yourself free without leaving your home. I work with clients right across Australia and overseas and the video session option is a brilliant option for hypnosis. Having your session in the comfort of your own home with ear buds/headphones is just as effective as face to face. There is no difference because the only tool I have is my voice.