Social Hibernation – are you ready to socialize??

For the past year and a half, we have become hyper focused on ourselves and have interacted with fewer people than ever before. As we re-enter our places of work, education, and social gatherings some extra steps for smooth transition may be required. Here are a few reminders and tips as you emerge from social hibernation:

• Our reactions are natural and normal
  • It is natural if you are feeling a bit of fear and a sense of loss knowing the environments and safe worlds you built are starting to change. You may feel overwhelmed as you start to schedule more activities; something we have been wanting and looking forward to may also feel draining and overwhelming now
• You are not alone
  • According to APA’s Stress in America Poll, nearly 50% of Americans have reported that they feel anxiety while starting to rejoin in-person events and activities. So, if you’re feeling awkward, anxious, or even irritable, you can count on the fact that others are in a similar place
• Adjustment will take time 
  • Remember that adjustment will take time, just as it did with the initial experience of quarantine. And each person will adapt according to their own needs.
  • Greeting and interacting with others may look and feel a little different than our pre-pandemic days so it can be helpful to plan ahead to gain a sense of control.
• Start slow and small & build off successes
  • Start with small goals. Our tolerance of being around others has changed
  • Start with people & places you are comfortable with and work your way up to more challenging situations. For example, start with a 30 min walk with a friend before committing to larger or longer events and activities
• Aim for quality of interaction, not quantity.
  • Your social skills might be rusty, so be kind to yourself and give yourself the time to build them up again.
  • Establish, communicate, and respect boundaries when socializing. Let others know if you are comfortable hugging or if you prefer to maintain 6 feet of distance, etc.

This post about social hibernation and social success was provided by Dr. Carly Knauf. Welcome to Fort Collins, Dr. K!!