Confidence After Covid: How You Can Get Ready To Start Socializing Again

Confidence After Covid: How You Can Get Ready To Start Socializing Again

For many of us, it has been more than a year since we were out, restriction-free and socializing with our family, friends, work colleagues and loved ones, thanks to the Coronavirus pandemic. For others, it has been even longer, depending on their personal circumstances in the weeks and months leading up to the pandemic and consequential lockdowns. Perhaps you had just had a baby, moved house or unwell, making going out very difficult.

Now that in many places, restrictions are lifting and life is slowly beginning to return to normal – or something resembling a normal with masks and social distancing measures in place – and that means a return to visiting family and friends, going out for something to eat and maybe even a drink or two in a bar. That is great news, right? 

Well, it is, but lots of us have gotten that used to staying at home that we have almost forgotten what it is like to be out, socializing, and that can be a bit anxiety-inducing. If you struggled with confidence prior to lockdowns, you might find it harder still, after being away from social situations for so long. Fear not though, as we have put together some tips and tricks to help you feel more confident – or at least appear to feel confident – when you socialize after Covid. Ready? Let’s go!

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Start off small

Going from seeing no one other than the people you live with and work with to a huge party might be one step too far for a lot of people. Ease yourself back in; start off with meeting one or two friends for a half an hour catch up somewhere familiar, before increasing the number of people you see, the length of time you are out and going to different places.

Have an indulgent pampering and self-care session

When we feel good inside, we are naturally more confident. Spend some time looking after yourself, both physically and mentally before diving back into your social life. Take yourself off for a haircut, get those veneers you have always wanted, have a facial. It does not have to be physical pampering and self-care either. Continue with some of the things that you (hopefully) started during lockdown – read a favorite book, go for a long walk by yourself, listen to your favorite music. 

Say no if you feel uncomfortable

Although sometimes we have to push ourselves a little out of our comfort zone to get our confidence back – and often end up enjoying ourselves – it is more than fine to say ‘no’ if you do not want to go out, you do not want to see a particular person or group of people or visit a particular place. It is also fine to go somewhere and then decide it is too overwhelming or you do not feel safe. It has been a long and stressful year and we have all learned the importance of being kind to ourselves. If you want to go home, put on your PJ’s and snuggle up with your cat, do it.

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