Your post pandemic recovery plan
Now that the Government has announced its plans for us to gradually ease lockdown restrictions, you might like to start thinking about your post pandemic recovery plan.
As the easing of restrictions is happening in stages, it should allow you to adjust little by little.
By making some plans now, it will give you something to work towards and look forward to.
From 8 March
With the kids back to school, you can start getting back into your usual daily routines. The children will be looking forward to getting out of the house and re-connecting with their friends. If you are working from home, you’ll hopefully have some more peace and quiet to concentrate; if you’re not working, take some time for self-care or spend time doing something you enjoy.
For those of us without children, not much will have changed. However, you can meet with one person from another household outdoors, so arrange to meet a local friend or family member for a walk in the park to catch up and enjoy some face-to-face interaction.
From 29 March
In time for the Easter break, outdoor gatherings of up to 6 people or two households are now allowed. If the weather is as nice as last year, this will give you a fantastic opportunity to meet friends and family outdoors for picnics, or a barbeque in your garden.
Outdoor sports facilities, like football pitches and tennis courts can reopen, so you can get back to some activities you enjoy – or take the opportunity to try something new!
From 12 April
Hairdressers and barbers reopen, so you can finally get that much-needed haircut! A chance to be pampered and feel like yourself again.
Outdoor attractions will be allowed to open, with social distancing restrictions in place – why not take the kids for a nice day out to the local playground? Pubs and restaurants can also provide an outdoor service so you could treat yourself to a meal out.
Indoor leisure facilities reopen, meaning you can get back to the gym – or join, if it’s something you’ve been considering during lockdown. Swimming pools will provide an enjoyable way to take some exercise.
From 17 May
You can now meet up to 6 people indoors (or two households can mix), so arrange to meet up with some friends or family that you haven’t seen for a while.
Cinemas will reopen so you can go and see a film on the big screen, or take the kids to run around a soft play area.
From 21 June
It is hoped that all limits on social restrictions will be lifted. Many of us will return to the office after working from home for over a year, giving us a chance to reconnect with our colleagues – or to meet them for the first time if you started your job during lockdown!
Nightclubs and large attendance events can reopen. Many local events are free to attend, so look out for food festivals and fetes.
All being well, we will be able to bring back our face-to-face meetings and events – keep an eye out for announcements to join social peer support groups, wellbeing workshops and more.
Take care
For some, the easing of lockdown restrictions will be an exciting time – a chance to reconnect with friends and family, and return to things we enjoy doing. For others, the prospect of getting back to life outside of this protective bubble we’ve lived in for over a year may cause worry and anxiety.
Whatever you do, take time and take care. Don’t rush into anything you don’t want to, and take it step by step.
All of us will have to learn to readjust back into post lockdown life.
Stay safe
All of the scheduled dates above will be in constant review by the Government and are subject to change depending on the situation regarding Covid-19. Even as things begin to open, it is important to remember to stay safe and follow any guidelines that are still in place.
You can check the latest information at gov.uk
Other resources
You can find advice and information on how to manage anxiety on the Mind website
If you feel you need additional support, take a look at the services offered by Community Living Well, which include Peer Support, Talking Therapies, Self-Care and more.
Author: Stewart Gillespie
Posted on: 11th March 2021
