7 Quick Tips For Socializing After COVID

Working from home. Zoom calls. Virtual and online everything. It’s no wonder many of us are feeling rusty and worried about getting back to socializing. As much as we need social connection, being isolated for a year and a half has taken a toll and left us feeling anxious and awkward to re-enter the public and interact with others. So today, I’m sharing 7 quick tips for socializing after COVID to help get you started.

A Little Story:

The other day I built the courage to text my friend asking if she was comfortable getting together this summer. She instantly texts back that she’s all in and to send her some dates asap!

Yikes, suddenly I freeze, and my stomach feels off. Now I’m not sure I’m ready to take that first step.

Then questions start racing through my mind:

• Why did I put myself in this position?
• Where can we go that’s safe?
• Why am I so hesitant after a year and a half of isolation?
• Is she vaccinated?
• How will we greet and say our goodbyes (usually we give long bear hugs)?

Does any of this sound familiar?

I never gave much thought to socializing after COVID. Still, even though numbers are going down now, more people are vaccinated, and places are open again, it’s surprised me how hesitant I am to get back into certain social situations. So I wanted to put together a list of tips for socializing after COVID to help you.

If You Are Struggling You Are Not Alone

If you feel nervous or anxious, it’s totally okay and know now that you are not alone.

A recent survey from the American Psychological Association stated that:

Instead of being frustrated, show yourself grace, acknowledge your victories when you do go out in public and don’t forget to have fun, my friends.

If you have had any bad experiences re-entering the public, I’m sorry to hear that, but know that it will get better. Try not to let those experiences stop you from pushing forward and doing the things you love.

It’s quite safe to be outdoors, so that’s always a great first place to start meeting up with people.

Also, as much as things are improving, we aren’t in a full post-pandemic world yet. Sadly numbers are starting to rise rapidly in the US with the new variants.

There’s absolutely nothing wrong with wanting to be safe and take precautions so don’t let others’ opinions make you feel guilty about that.

Now let’s get into 7 quick tips for socializing after COVID to help you get back into social situations with more ease.

7 Quick Tips For Socializing After COVID

1. Don’t Be Hard On Yourself For Being Anxious.

This pandemic certainly increased anxiety, which is already the most common mental health disorder in the USA and Canada.

The Anxiety and Depression Association of America reports that 40 million Americans suffer from anxiety disorders (2). By the time Canadians reach the age of 40, 1 out of 2 has or have had a mental illness (3).

After going through a year and a half of social isolation or at least minimal social interaction, feeling worried and anxious to get back into the swing of things is understandable.

So please don’t feel bad about it or frustrated that it’s a little more complicated than you imagined.

Just take deep breaths, focus on positive thoughts and take the precautions you need to feel less anxious.

One tiny step at a time is all you need, so don’t pressure yourself to attend a 50-person backyard party if that is too overwhelming. It may even be a smaller gathering that you’re not yet ready for but don’t worry in time, and with effort, you can get back to pre-COVID you.

2. Communicate your concerns with people.

It’s important to be honest, and let others know how you feel before heading out to an event or visit. This is one of my top tips for socializing after COVID.

For example, after I sent that text to my friend and then freaked out when she responded, I sent another text telling her how I felt a bit anxious over going out. She completely understood and called me, so we chatted about it for a bit. That helped us both feel comfortable and excited for our girls’ night out.💃🏻🍷

If you are not telling other people how you feel about socializing, they may make assumptions about your comfort level. The last thing you want is to be uncomfortable or feel unsafe.

Try not to worry about what people may think. Everyone has experienced this worldwide pandemic in some form, and most people will be happy to accommodate you.

3. Slowly Ease Into Social Situations Post-Pandemic

Slowly easing yourself into social situations and settings is the best way to help reduce anxiety and raise your comfort level. Attending a big wedding or a busy amusement park may not be great ideas for first-time social events.

Outdoor activities in wide-open areas are a great place to start, as is with smaller groups of family or friends that you trust. One-on-one meetups are also ideal if you are still hesitant.

Then you can begin to build on that and eventually get back to events or attending more crowded places. As the famous saying goes, you need to get your feet wet before swimming, and that’s a perfect metaphor for socializing after COVID.

4. Practice Self-Care.

Self-care is more important than ever, especially for getting back into the public after COVID.

I’m not talking about going to a spa or eating your favourite dessert (although those are great ideas too😉); I mean emotional and spiritual self-care to ensure you are in the right mindset and able to face challenges or new situations as they arise.

You can do many things for these types of self-care, including prayer, journaling, deep breathing and visualization to name a few.

5. Respect other people’s boundaries and show grace.

Everyone’s experience with COVID is different. We all have different personalities, strengths, weaknesses, and quirks, so respecting people’s boundaries is essential.

You truly never know what someone is going through. Mental health issues are unseen disabilities, so compassion and kindness always go a long way.

6. Don’t sweat the awkward moments.

We are all in a state of limbo when it comes to socializing, and most of us are unsure what to do at times.

You go in for a hug, and the person swerves away from you. You do that weird wave of your hands to gesture an “air-hug” or jump 10 feet when someone sneezes or coughs.🤦🏻‍♀️

These are unprecedented times so don’t sweat awkward moments or let them embarrass you. Try making it light and joking about it, like saying, “Well, that was awkward” or “Better luck next time,” which will often get some laughs and break the ice.

7. Reach out for professional support when needed.

Social anxiety and social phobias are very real, so do your best to be aware of them and address those feelings as they come up.

Maybe this is a new issue for you, and that’s okay too. If you feel heightened anxiety seeking professional support through a therapist or doctor is always a good idea.

Don’t be afraid or ashamed to seek help because it takes courage. This pandemic has affected everyone emotionally on some level. Therapists have the expertise to guide you, help you identify triggers, change your negative thought patterns and get you to a healthier place.

Final Thoughts on Tips For Socializing After COVID:

We are all struggling in some way due to the pandemic. Being social and in public spaces with more people is undoubtedly an issue for many. So don’t forget to show yourself grace in times like these and take it one step at a time.

To summarize, here are the 7 quick tips to keep in mind for getting back to socializing after COVID:

1. Don’t be hard on yourself for being anxious;
2. Communicate your concerns with people;
3. Slowly ease into social situations post-pandemic;
4. Practice self-care;
5. Respect other people’s boundaries and show grace;
6. Don’t sweat the awkward moments; and
7. Reach out for professional support when needed.

I hope these will help you feel more prepared to socialize with ease and with a little less anxiety.

RESOURCES:

1. Stress in America: One Year Later, A New Wave of Pandemic Health Concerns
2. Understanding Anxiety: Facts & Statistics, Anxiety & Depression Association of America
3. Mental Illness and Addiction: Facts and Statistics, CAMH

Header photo by Bewakoof.com Official 
Woman with sunglasses photo by Alireza Esmaeeli
Two women by ocean photo by Joshua Sazon
Two women with masks photo by Gustavo Fring 
Therapy photo by Polina Zimmerman