May 17th, 2021

A Conversation About the UK's "New Normal"

Happy Tuesday!

​How are you feeling this week?
​
What have been your biggest wins? 

What hasn't gone so well? What lessons have you taken away from these experiences? Are you ready to let them go now?

This week, I wanted to talk about how to look after the mental health of you and your family as the UK comes out of a 14-month lockdown.
 
It feels important to encourage you to reflect on the challenges and barriers you have overcome over the past year.
 
How is your life different to what it was like last March?
 
Do you feel excited about a summer out of lockdown?
 
Do you feel a little bit anxious or apprehensive, if so, have you accepted that this is ok, too?

Will the UK overcome the rise in loneliness as we come out of lockdown?
 
Back in February, the ONS completed a survey which found that people were worried about feeling "left behind" and "stuck" as restrictions ease across the country. Is this something you have considered?
 
As news outlets share the excitement across the nation whilst we slowly go back to a new normal, some have not considered that not everyone is sharing these feelings of joy. In fact, many feel worried about a different “normal”. 

Top Tips for Parents Trying to Navigate a “New Normal”:
 
If you are you a parent trying to figure out how to get back to “normal” after months of working from the dining table, home-schooling and not seeing friends and family, these could be helpful for you...
 
Here are my top tips for coming out of lockdown with (some) ease…
 

1. Get your organiser at the ready! Clubs are back, as are social events, dental appointments and soon enough, the 500 birthday parties your child gets invited to each year. Clear a wall in the kitchen and get clear on what is happening and when. Not only will this help you feel more organised, it will give your children more responsibility too!
   
   
2. Make time for you. Yes, times are getting busier, but don’t forget that parents need self-care time too. Speak to your partner about when you can make time to relax, and try to support one another in making it happen. If you’re a single parent, work out when you’ve got some time to yourself and commit to having a hot bath, reading a book or having a catch-up with friends.  
   
   
3. Don’t forget the simple stuff you learned during lockdown! Whilst places open up, giving our social life a little more variety, remember that there are lots of simple things you can do as a family too. Board games, creative activities in the garden, previous advice for making homework more fun… All of these things still stand. Lockdown wasn’t all bad!

Oh, and before you go, here are some other useful links!

Study: BBC & ONS's Study on Loneliness

Resource: Mental Health Org

Books: Top Self-Help Books about Loneliness

If you’d like a supportive ear, some advice and a chance to talk to someone, feel free to get in touch for a free, no-obligation chat today. 

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Take care,

Abby and the HappiMe Team x