Mental Health Awareness Week falls in May and this year it feels more relevant than ever to be aware of both our own mental health and that of others and the factors that affect it.We’ve spent over a year living in completely new territory and crucially, everyone’s experience has been unique.I’ve spoken to business owners who’ve spent the last 14 months trying desperately to keep their business afloat and to protect the income of their employees. The uncertainty of not knowing when things will return to normal being a constant pressure on them.I’ve met people who lost their jobs over night and faced the horrible reality of not knowing how they would pay their bills.I’ve welcomed new members to my team who have been on furlough and needed to top up their income, others who have turned their passions into an extra income by utilising the extra time they’ve had.The point is, we’ve all had to adapt but while we’ve all been in the same storm, we haven’t all been in the same boat.This is an important point to remember as life does slowly return to normal because our experience of the last year will impact how we emerge from it.So many aspects of our lives have changed significantly from social interaction, exercise and eating habits, relationships with our family, friends and colleagues as well as our everyday routines. However, as time has gone on, we’ve created new norms and for people who like to establish and stick to routine, these norms have become quite entrenched.Stress and anxiety can seriously hinder our ability to function in everyday situations so it’s important that you ease yourself back into “normal life,” setting your own pace and not feeling pressured to go from spending most of your day at home, to suddenly having plans every day!Here are 3 things I’d like you to think about as we start to get back to normal.

1. Don’t compare yourself to before the pandemic.

It’s been scientifically proven that our brains have aged after a year of doing less, making us slower and more prone to memory loss![1] This is because we’ve been living more monotonous lifestyles, we’ve been isolated and spending more time in front of a screen. Fortunately, we can reverse these affects, but it means it’s going to take time to adjust to getting back to a busier lifestyle. So don’t beat yourself up if you get tired more easily, if you can’t lift as heavy weights in the gym or if you’re not as productive as you were before the pandemic. You’ll get there, you just need to be kind to yourself and let it happen naturally.

2. Ask yourself if what you’re doing will take you closer to your goals.

Having lived under so many restrictions for over a year, you might feel tempted to say yes to absolutely everything when the rules are eased. I get it, we all feel like we have to make up for lost time, but there is a balance to be had. Saying yes to everything is likely to lead to burn out, especially because we’ve become accustomed to doing less! We can’t be productive if we take on too many commitments and this is true of both our work lives and our social lives so try and prioritise doing the things that will ultimately lead you to your goals.

3. Make time for selfcare.

Selfcare has become a bit of a buzz word but it’s so important that we look after ourselves physically and mentally so that we can succeed in other aspects of our lives. The age old saying “you can’t pour from an empty cup” is so true, if we’re feeling low in ourselves it’s much harder for us to support other people so it’s certainly not selfish to schedule in time specifically for you. Selfcare can come in a range of forms from taking a bath, going for a walk, listening to your favourite music, meeting a friend for coffee, or reading a book. Essentially, selfcare is anything that makes you feel good! By being the best version of yourself you’ll be a better friend, partner, parent and be in the best position to achieve your goals.I think most of us will welcome the return of some normality, but the key is to take things at your own pace and prioritise your overall wellbeing so that you’re able to deal with the challenges that a busier life will inevitably bring.Talking about how you’re feeling is a great way to improve the way you’re feeling and will also open the dialogue for others to talk about their experiences.Let’s be patient with ourselves and supportive of each other as we emerge from the pandemic and start to move on with life.Follow my Facebook page for daily motivation and business insights.[1] https://www.telegraph.co.uk/health-fitness/mind/year-lockdown-has-aged-brain-sharpen/