People across the UK will be feeling even more anxious as we begin our journey back to normality – more so than they did at the start of lockdown. With so much anxiety around jobs, paying the bills and the changes that we all had to make, what we are seeing now is that the rules are much more complex, nuanced and, in some cases, they depend upon where you live and what the case numbers are like in that area.

Here, Anxiety 2 Confidence share five tips for managing anxiety as we get back to “normal”:

• Accept that a certain amount of stress and anxiety is normal – The world is going through a pretty significant crisis at the moment so try not to give yourself a hard time if you are feeling stressed, anxious or overwhelmed. There is a lot of fear and confusion around Covid that is inevitably going to have an impact. If feelings become too intense then make sure you talk to someone, whether that be a therapist or family and friends.
• Be careful where you get information from – One of the biggest challenges of the pandemic has been the fake news surrounding it. There have been heart-breaking cases all over the world of people who have lost loved ones after thinking the pandemic was a hoax or a conspiracy. Resources like the World Health Organisation (WHO) are much more reliable and will be based on the best current evidence available.
• Consider limiting your exposure to media – It is so easy to be constantly connected to the outside world through 24-hour news channels and social media. Think about whether exposing yourself to these things could be contributing to your anxiety. I have seen a lot of news stories with sensationalist or speculative titles that are designed to get an emotional reaction from you so that you click on their links. Remember that often reporters are selling stories not necessarily providing you with information.
• Only worry about what you can control – Consider what is best and safest for you and your loved ones. The government and scientific guidelines are still relatively simple; make sure you wash your hands regularly and keep away from other people who are not in your household. Things like masks are extra precautions so wear one if you can but try not to judge those who can’t, just stay away from them.
• Try and stay healthy, whatever healthy is to you – It is well documented that a healthy lifestyle contributes towards good mental health. This includes eating a wide range of foods and plenty of veggies, exercising in a way that you enjoy, having fun and being creative and spending time with other people (within social distancing rules). I would also add to this by making sure you have the best opportunity to get regular good sleep and avoid using alcohol and other drugs to change your mood.