With vaccines readily available, and restaurants, theaters, and sports arenas beginning to re-open at 100% capacity, we are approaching re-entry into a somewhat “normal” society again. While some might be ready to get back to their old way of life, others might feel anxious about this shift. It is completely normal to feel some anxiety about this change, as many of us have become accustomed to pandemic living. Here are 5 tips to help you cope. 

A few weeks ago, while watching the Netflix movie The Prom, I was struck by the song “Just Breathe.” The main character, seventeen year old Emma Nolen, sings, “Just close your eyes, and count to ten. Go to your happy place and then. Try not to combust. Just breathe.” In this song, she describes the challenges of being gay in a town that does not accept her for who she is. Her mantra “Just breathe” is a reminder that she can overcome obstacles by trusting herself, taking a breath, and continuing to move forward without “combusting” or letting others bring her down. Although Emma’s message is simple, her reminder to just breathe is exactly what we all need sometimes.