How to Cope With Social Awkwardness as We Reconnect With Others

For many of us, it's been over a year—perhaps longer—since we embraced our parents and grandparents, gathered with a big group of friends, or felt safe attending an event. Those heart-hungry moments we've long anticipated since the pandemic are now, finally, happening.

Let's take five minutes to see the week in a new light. By Wendy Rose Gould & Amy Morin, LCSW, Editor-in-Chief Top of Mind Connecting With Others as We Return to 'Normal'   For many of us, it's been over a year—perhaps longer—since we embraced our parents and grandparents, gathered with a big group of friends, or felt safe attending an event. Those heart-hungry moments we've long anticipated since the pandemic are now, finally, happening.   As part of Verywell Mind's Return to Normalcy content collection, we're taking a moment to discuss ways we can re-discover the comfort of being social, why doing so is important for our mental health, and how to navigate those waters. Coping With Social Awkwardness Mumbles, fumbles, jumbles—they're all to be expected as we get back to the fuller social calendars that were the norm pre-pandemic. From awkward moments of silence to bubbling feelings of social anxiety, know that everyone's feeling a bit rusty.   The effects of isolation are real, but by practicing our social skills, awarding ourselves and others some grace, and healthily managing our anxiety, we can make progress.    Easing Back Into Society  Jumping back into social situations will look different for everyone. While some are eager to dive right into the deep end, others may feel hesitant at the thought of dipping their toes into the water.   If you fall into the latter category, that's perfectly OK, but it's also important to work toward reintegration, as well. In this article, we outline coping strategies and simple steps you can take.     If we push too far, too fast, it might set us back. On the other hand, some degree of discomfort is healthy and normal. The key will be to trust our self and know when to push forward and when to back off." — CORTLAND DAHL, PH.D. A Guide to Social Gatherings  One way you can feel more in control of your post-pandemic social life is to create a set of social guidelines for yourself and others. We recommend adhering to CDC best practices, evaluating risk, establishing clearly defined boundaries, and practicing compassion and understanding for those who are moving at a different pace than you.    On the Bright Side Ways to Stay Positive This Week What's Inspiring Us The Child Mind Institute's Getting Better Together campaign launched last week. Every day, a new video is released featuring testimonials and insights from kids and celebrities, including Tan France, Bebe Rexha, and Gabby Sidibe. The campaign aims to provide hope, break stigma, and encourage people to reach out for help. The Meditation Minis podcast publishes free, bite-sized meditations to your device every day. It's a simple way to add intention and mindfulness to your day. Ways to Nurture Your Mind and Body This week, make a concerted effort to flex your social muscles. Everyone will feel comfortable moving at their own pace, but you can take your cue from these suggestions:   Volunteer to be the person in your home who runs an errand, such as a prescription pickup or a grocery store visit. To further ease into it, go during non-peak hours. Go for a walk around your neighborhood, or visit a nearby park, with the goal of casually interacting with another person. Maybe it's a simple wave and hello. Write down a list of social situations you currently feel comfortable with, and how they can bring you joy. Maybe it's an outdoor picnic, or a hike with a friend or loved one. Simply visualizing these social events can help mitigate anxiety and foster excitement. If seeing others in-person isn't feasible yet, make it a goal to socialize in other ways. For example, schedule a phone call or video chat with someone you haven't seen or spoken to in a while. Products to Help You Feel Your Best Storyworth provides a creative way to virtually connect and learn more about a loved one. You select a person in your life, and they'll be sent a question every week—perhaps one you never thought to ask yourself. The answer is sent to you, and at the end of the year will be compiled into a book. For a social game that really drives connection, try We're Not Really Strangers. Available in several editions, it's a simple deck of purpose-driven cards that that aims to strengthen existing relationships and foster new ones. Dealing with some social anxiety? Ellen Hendricksen's book, "How to Be Yourself," offers a powerful roadmap to busting through those mental barriers and embracing who you are. The Latest From The Verywell Mind Podcast   How to Save Yourself with Bestselling Author Danielle Walker   Danielle's doctors told her that her chronic health condition could be well-managed with medication. That wasn't her experience, however. So she set out on a journey to experiment with different strategies that would help her regain control of her health. In this episode, she offers advice that could help you discover what strategies help you become the best version of yourself.   Friday Fix: 7 Mental Health Mistakes to Avoid as We Emerge From the Pandemic As the pandemic restrictions begin to lift, it may be tempting to put off working on your mental health. But, after going through such a bizarre year, it's important to keep addressing your emotional well-being. Here are seven tempting mental health mistakes you'll want to avoid making right now.   Tune in to tomorrow's episode to hear from Dr. Jud Brewer. He's a psychiatrist and a neuroscientist who offers some really simple but effective strategies for managing anxiety.   Subscribe Now: Apple Podcasts / Spotify / Google Podcasts / RSS Read These Next How to Rekindle Friendships After You've Lost Touch READ NOW 15 Easy Ways to Find and Make New Friends as an Adult READ NOW How to Leave a Conversation When You Have Social Anxiety READ NOW Spread the Light Share the newsletter with someone you know to make their day a little brighter. SHARE We're open to suggestions! If you have any feedback about this newsletter, let us know at feedback@verywell.com.     You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the Healthy Mind newsletter. If you wish to unsubscribe, please click here. If someone forwarded you this email, you can subscribe here!   A DOTDASH BRAND 28 Liberty Street, 7th Floor, New York, NY, 10005   © 2021 Verywellmind.com - All rights reserved. Privacy Policy