Socializing After The Pandemic: How Social Distancing Has Affected Your Social Life

As we begin to leave the world of Zoom behind us and return to our offices, schools, and social lives, we are faced with the unfortunate reality that things have changed. We spent the last year and a half behind screens and away from one another. It is no surprise that our social skills may be lacking as a result. We overcame the exhaustion that was Zoom fatigue and constant connection to the digital world, but now that in-person way of life is returning.

There is evidence that suggests that moving from our quarantine lifestyle back to our in-person lifestyle may take a huge toll on our energy. People who typically found joy from their jobs are now finding themselves feeling numb, irritable, and exhausted. Social isolation has divided us into two kinds of people.

The first group of people is ready for life to return to ‘normal’ and want to say yes more to events and activities. It has been over a year of having to say no and being locked inside. This new thirst for life is met with wanting to travel, go to bars, see friends more often, and engage in activities they otherwise would not have.

The other group of people plans to go out less following the pandemic. This group of people prioritizes the comforts they found from the pandemic, such as the work-from-home lifestyle, a smaller group of friends, and quieter settings. No matter which group you fall into, there is no right or wrong! If you find yourself in the more uneasy group and want to change that, this article is for you. We also have a more scientific article on the effects of social isolation you can read here.

Pay Attention to Your Energy Levels

The perk of the last year has been the ‘Zoom mullet’; business on top, pajamas on the bottom. While we were battling our Zoom fatigue, it was also easier to be more comfortable than we would have in the office. Even though most people are relieved to see mask mandates going away and restaurants opening at full capacity, it does not mean everyone is ready to re-engage at full speed. Pay attention to your thoughts and feelings, as well as your level of exhaustion as you go through the day. Be sure to take time for breaks and rest as you adjust to in-person events and lifestyle changes.

Learn How to Make Small Talk Again

Okay, so you probably did not lose your ability to make small talk, however, it can feel particularly daunting after not having to make it for some time. Socializing is a skill and we are all out of practice. Here are some tips to boost your conversational skills:

Avoid hand-wringing. It may seem like the pandemic is a great conversation starter because there is much to discuss, but being the person to bring up the negative topic is never good. Focus on lighter, more positive topics and you will find small talk way less stressful.
Give yourself a break. Acknowledge that it is going to take some time to settle back into a routine and regain your confidence. It may feel awkward at first, and that is okay! Be patient with yourself and cut yourself some slack. Do not let one rocky conversation ruin your mood.
Prepare for the obvious questions. The question “how have you been?” is probably our most common greeting. Be prepared to have an answer. Even if your answer changes every day, pick one that invites talking such as, “This year has been tough, but I found a lot of moments for personal growth.” This acknowledges how tough the past year and a half was, while also acknowledging an optimistic take.
Use reruns. “How I Met Your Mother”, “Friends”, and “Cheers” are all great examples of television shows about friends talking. You can get some good small talk ideas and laughs by using references. Check out a few episodes before your next social event!
Face forward. When you are in a conversation and have to fill some silence, your impulse may be to try to get competitive and try to top what someone else said. Instead, try bridging the statement by asking what people are looking forward to or what their ‘light at the end of the tunnel’ has been. This gets people thinking more positively about their current situation and steers the conversation towards the better days ahead.

Remember, It Is Not a “Go Big or Go Home” Situation

It is okay to start small! It is likely that you will find yourself overwhelmed if you jump into a situation that is too social too soon. To avoid this, we have to train to re-enter social society like we would for anything else. Start by getting together with a small group of friends for a short period of time. Once this feels manageable, add a few others or make the activity a bit more active. Notice how you feel during all of these interactions. Get comfortable with being slightly uncomfortable at first. Here are 10 tips on how to start small:

Play a round of mini-golf.
Wipe down the clubs (just to be safe) and get started! Mini golf is great because there is a definitive ending and it is active! This gets you out of the house and enjoying yourself for a little while.
Go to a drive-in movie theater.
Not looking forward to a crowded movie theater? That’s okay! There are plenty of great drive-in movies during the summer. You can park next to your friends or carpool if you are comfortable! This is another great way to get out of the house and be with people for a set amount of time.
Take a trip to a farmers’ market.
Now that it is warm and sunny out, many farmers’ markets are back in business. Find organic, locally grown produce and get some exercise in! This is a great way to socialize in small doses.
Go for a hike.
There are plenty of paths ranging from easy to hard. Find one in your area that fits your experience level and get started. If you live in a more rural area, there could be a lot of beautiful scenery ready to explore.
Have a wine and cheese tasting.
For some, this is a better alternative than a bar. Find an outdoor place where everyone can get their own flight of drinks and cheese samples. This kind of event is classy and can be done as a small group in a more relaxed atmosphere.
Do yoga.
Yoga is a great way to get your mind and body connected. When you do this, you are going to find yourself more relaxed and focused. Take a class online or in person!
Visit a botanical garden. These are some of the most beautiful and aesthetically pleasing places to visit. Treat yourself to some nature and bask in it!
Go to a flea market.
This might not be for everyone. But if you are a fan of thrifting, this is a great way to go out. Take a friend or make it a solo trip!
Have a picnic.
Just because restaurants are open does not mean you have to go. Grab a blanket and a cooler and head to your favorite spot in town! This is the perfect way to socialize over a meal while keeping your distance from others if you want.
Host a gathering.
If you feel comfortable, have a few people over in your backyard or living room. That way you do not have to go out and can set things up the way you like. This means no surprises and socializing on your own terms.

Set Aside Additional Time for Recovery and Self-care

Resist the temptation to jump back into large social gatherings and scenes by taking time to reflect and regroup. Maybe do not go out the Sunday before a Monday workday if you know you need time to recover. Identify activities that help you feel at ease as you re-enter the in-person community. This could be as simple as going for a walk or taking a nap or booking a massage for yourself. Whatever you need to do to ground yourself after social stimulation is acceptable.

Self-care can mean a variety of things. Above all, it is an invitation to care of your needs and focus on putting your energies in the right place. We have a very helpful article with self-care tips that we encourage you to take a look at it! You can find it here.

5. Gratitude Can Improve Your Relationships.

Gratitude is known for improving your relationship with others in a variety of ways. Not only will it allow you to be more open to receiving help from others, but it allows you to find that help within yourself. You are a more empathetic person, which really benefits your romantic relationships and friendships. People enjoy being appreciated and receiving those positive words of affirmation from others. When you make this part of your daily routine, it can really help you make those in your life feel more appreciated and supported.

A Word from Mental Treat

If you feel like you are experiencing social anxiety or social stress, consider talking to someone about it. Adjusting back to life can be difficult, but there are qualified, licensed professionals here to help. Mental Treat has a variety of mental health professionals ready to engage with you and help you feel better. Simply go onto our website and filter through the therapists and mental health professionals. We hope that this article was helpful and informative! Remember, just because things seem to be moving rapidly does not mean you need to be at the same pace. Take your time and take care.

Socializing After The Pandemic: How Social Distancing Has Affected Your Social Life

Read more interesting stories

Make ADHD Your Superpower

Women and Low Sex Drive: Why it Happens and What You Should Know

Establishing Healthy Friendships (And Knowing When to Move On)

Online Therapists: Everything You Need to Know About Online Counseling and Therapy

Does Insurance Cover Couples Therapy? What Do You Do If It Doesn’t?

‘Holiday Blues’ or, What to do When You Feel Lonely During the Holidays

About Mental Treat

It's Free to Sign Up and Get Started.

I want to start as: