Are you going out, or is it too scary? things to help for those leaving home (for work)

Lockdown really over, is it?

Are COVID numbers going down? or do you Have to go to work anyway?

It may be time for you to venture out of your house.  A friend of mine said it is time for her husband to start working back in the office and not staying at home, everyday- and it’s not that she wants her house back, she works, too and has been back at her office for several weeks, now.

 But maybe you are still afraid to go out.

Here are some things you can consider about when and how to go out:

How close are you going to be to other people (1.5-2m is good, if you are closer, wear your mask)- and for how long?

            The closer your are, the higher the risk (same with length)

            The MORE people you see, the more likely you might catch COVID, especially if they are “new” people to you

            Indoors (especially as it gets cooler outside and really especially in places with poor ventilation) is not as good as outdoors

            Are there physical barriers between people?  At on ov my favorite restaurants they have installed plexiglass between tables.  Very cool!

            Are most (or better all) the people wearing masks?  Good!

How widespread I COVID in your community (in Zürich it’s worse than in Baden and in my village nobody has it- so far)- and will there be asymptomatic people not wearing masks?  (In the bus and train it can happen…, but at my work we all have to wear masks all.the.time).

What are the health/social distancing rules for my area, or the area I am traveling to?

Are you on the “at risk” list- and if yes, what does your doctor recommend?

Remember not to forget your everyday precautions, and do them no matter what.

Everyday precautions:

Make sure you have your mask(s) and hand sanitizer (60% alcohol), and tissues with you when you leave the house.

Remember to wash your hands well- whenever you might have contacted the virus, use your elbow to sneeze or cough in, make sure you stay home when you have a fever or cough or are otherwise sick.

And maybe you are not in the right place, mentally to go out. Maybeit’s time to try little activities.

Take your time, first and don’t push yourself.

Remember that going out helps you to get over your fears of going out, but choose your activity well.  For example, a cup of coffee or tea in a friend’s garden may be a great way to start, or maybe a socially-distanced bbq with neighbors would be an good initial outing. Maybe going for a half-day to work is a good start.

Fear and anxiety at the (yet another) change is normal and it is nothing to be ashamed of, and we will feel strange as we get back to normal.  For example, last week was the first week back at the coworking I belong to.  It was a bit scary to go there after so long (since March#!) and kind of “re-start”.  You need to build up your emotional and social tolerance  and tray and vary your routines just a wee bit at first.  Maybe you could go to the office twice a week, for example.  Maybe driving will make you feel safer than taking public transportation, especially at rush hour.  Maybe you can show up later and/or leave earlier to avoid full trains and buses.

Even with all this, maybe you need to work more on your anxiety so remember to talk to your friends and family, use mindfulness (focus on the here and now) and gratefulness to distract you in a healthy manner, look at what is really true (are you safe, are you healthy, for example), and finally, remember to start being social.  Research shows that (a few) good relationships keep us healthy and resilient.