Reemerging into an Ever-present COVID-19 World
Editor's note: This article was initially published in June of 2021; however, it is being reposted here due to its continued relevance.
As the world begins to reopen and COVID-related restrictions begin to fade away, I thought it might be a valuable activity to discuss what may help in surviving what's left of this year.
Many of you have lived inhibited lives in the sense that there has been a proverbial lid that you've had to use to cover your desires and specific energies. Suppressing these forces simply doesn't disappear, and I'm of the professional opinion that if you're not careful, they can grab hold of you in ways you may be ill-prepared.
This is not stated to promote cause for alarm or fear, more so for the purpose of properly mitigating being let off of the leash. You may have heard the phrase, "it's going to be a wild summer." Well, there's a lot of truth in that.
I suspect there will be a collective public euphoria that will be hard to resist due to the sheer magnitude of its infectiously pleasurable appeal. I'm not prescribing anyone to abstain from fun; however, I will say that it's good to go into something with some intentionality.
Many of you extroverts out there likely had extreme difficulty during the pandemic. Increasing your social responsibility through becoming more introverted is no easy task. Now is the time to become yourself again. With that said, I hope you learned some valuable things about finding ways to entertain yourself when social interaction was no longer feasible and engaged in purposeful reflection during this period.
Introverts, however, had it relatively easy, especially if you didn't feel too isolated during this past year. You were more or less validated that your comfort zone, someplace between indoors and solitude, was the right thing to do in order to keep yourself and others safe. Your unique task will be to push against this comfort and make yourself more extroverted.
No, I'm not saying be an extrovert; I am saying to make yourself less introverted. Why? Because connection and exploration are an equally important part of life, as are individual reflection and stillness.
Extroverts coming out of their introverted phase and introverts coming into their extroverted phase may experience an increase in self-consciousness and self-criticism. Being hyperaware of your behaviors and extensive critical self-analysis could be something new you encounter upon reemerging publicly.
While this may feel foreign and odd, it is vital to remember that you're likely not isolated with what may seem to be strange thoughts. The reason for this is due to the fact that the experience of reemerging publicly for the first time in a long time will be collective in its general nature.
It may be worth sharing these odd thoughts you have about yourself with others as there is a potential bonding moment to be had over your shared sense of humility. Much of your dilemma can be laughed off upon recognizing its universality.
Speaking of creating jovial energy, it can often be effortless to be swept up into a good time. As restrictions die down, your sense of freedom will likely amp up.
Being open to new things is essential because much of the satisfaction we derive from life is largely experiential. With this, I have to say proceed with caution.
Public euphoria can largely be sensationalized to the point that you lose sight of your priorities and stability. If you plan for immersion, you must equally plan for emersion.
The last point that I want to make is to encourage you all to get your annual well checks, particularly any of you who contracted COVID-19 at some point during the past year. I say this because you need to establish a relationship with a professional who can track your health.
After the flu of 1918, many who contracted the virus (or their offspring) found that they developed Parkinson's later in life. In addition, society entered the roaring 20's, which eventually resulted in prohibition. A healthcare provider who can track your consumption of various substances can also assist you in making healthier lifestyle choices, particularly if you manage to find yourself in a position where you realize you have been living a bit more excessively.
In conclusion, enjoy the remainder of your year, have fun getting back into the world, making new connections, and having new experiences; just make sure you're safe, have proper supports in place, and check in with yourself to ensure your health and safety.
Citations
Barry, J. M. (2018). The great influenza: The story of the deadliest pandemic in history. New York: Penguin Books.