Did you go to the pub over the weekend?\u00a0 Have you got a table booked at a local restaurant?\u00a0 Have you contacted your hairdresser for a cut or a colour?<\/p>\n
We are now free to socialise within limits.\u00a0 We can engage in activities that we haven\u2019t been able to for months.\u00a0 Have you embraced this with open arms or are you filled with apprehension and dread?<\/p>\n
In two previous blogs I\u2019ve discussed how social changes can bring anxiety to many of us.\u00a0 Some people may be well on their journey back to reintegration into their usual social fabric.\u00a0 Others will be struggling.\u00a0 Some will be anxious and fearful of contracting disease; some will be concerned about how \u2018to be\u2019 after such a long period of isolation, even with close friends and family.<\/p>\n
There are lots of factors that determine how we feel and react to society opening up; its impossible to discuss all of these in a short blog.\u00a0 However, one aspect is a natural tendency to introversion and extroversion.\u00a0 Both tendencies can give rise to problems with re-integrating socially.\u00a0 Introverts may have been \u2018living in their heads\u2019 since lockdown started with lots of anxious thoughts stopping them from moving forward.\u00a0 Extroverts may have been tying themselves in knots with the lack of social contact since March and are embracing re-integration so whole-heartedly that they are exhausted in no time.<\/p>\n
The advice for reintegration is to take things gently.\u00a0 Only commit to social interactions that you feel comfortable with and gradually build up the level and extent of contact.\u00a0 Pace yourself; don\u2019t arrange so many get-togethers that you find yourself wiped out by the end of the day or weekend and don\u2019t feel you have to commit to a social activity you don\u2019t feel comfortable with.<\/p>\n
As always, our Employee Assistance Programme support is there to help you with any anxieties or other problems that you are struggling with.\u00a0 There are also webinars and articles you can access from the website.\u00a0 If you ring the EAP you will immediately speak with a trained counsellor who will be happy to talk about whatever is bothering you.\u00a0 She\/he will assess your needs and ensure that you get the support which will benefit you. Up to 8 sessions of counselling are available to each member of staff.\u00a0 Here is the contact information if you need it:<\/p>\n
Employee Assistance Programme<\/a>: login: uokent; password: university. Freephone: 0808 168 2143<\/p>\n \u2018What “Introvert” and “Extrovert” Really Mean\u2019<\/a>: Elizabeth Hopper on thoughtco.com<\/p>\n \u2018Difference Between Introvert and Extrovert\u2019<\/a>: Surbhi S on keydifferences.com<\/p>\n \u2018How to ease yourself back into socialising once lockdown lifts, according to psychologists\u2019<\/a>: Olivia Petter, The Independent<\/p>\n