On the other, nonstop social engagements are a great way to burn out or get the coronavirus.
How the hell are we supposed to handle this?
(And that was if things were good.)
Now were supposed to remember how to act around peopleandavoid the deadly airborne virus?
A sudden switch from video chat to in-person hangouts isnt just a massive routine disruption.
It also requires a different set of social skills because Zoom isnt real life.
Understanding when to speak and when to listen is a practiced habitual response, Dr. Berman explains.
On top of all that, there are lots of good reasons to fear in-person social contact right now.
Its all very fraught, and it all seems to be happening at once.
But everyones version of easing into it looks a little different.
Here are her tips for avoiding burnout.
[Ask yourself:] Am I sleeping OK?
Am I eating OK?
Am I getting my time to be alone that I need?
Am I getting to the gym or walking around?
Am I talking to my family?
If your social life is cutting into any of these, its time to step back.
Just the facts, maam, she says.
If youre saying No too much
Going too hard in the other direction is just as harmful.
If youre rejecting every invitation that comes your way, Dr. Berman recommends asking yourself what yourereallyscared of.
But anyone with anxiety knows that answering that question isnt always as easy as it sounds.
These tips should help.
If going to an indoor concert makes you nervous because you have unvaccinated kids at home, fair enough.
Who else is going?
How are we getting to and from?
What are the mask requirements?
If this is all sounding like super basic stuff, it is.
In the meantime, its OK to feel anxious or lost.
Just take it easy and pay attention to how youre feelingyoull figure out what works for you.
