How to Overcome Re-Entry Anxiety Post-Pandemic and Re-Enter the World With Confidence

The recent pandemic has made many people scared to re-enter the world and start to travel again. If this is you and if you've considered Lake Chapala as a retirement destination in the past then perhaps it's time to dust off your passport and come on down. Don't let the fear of stepping back into the world stop you!

Re-entry anxiety is a very real phenomenon that affects more than half of Americans today. According to Self, this type of stress comes at the prospect of returning to in-person interactions. Experts have several theories about what’s spurring this new public health concern, but some of the top hypotheses have to do with isolation, job insecurity, and unhealthy lock down habits, all of which have chipped away at individual's self-esteem and overall confidence. If you live with re-entry anxiety, start taking steps today to make your transition back into the world easier. Below are a few ideas to help you get started.

Start a Fun, New Fitness Regimen

If you have experienced undesired weight changes since the start of the pandemic, you’re not alone. According to the American Psychological Association, 61% of Americans experienced undesired weight changes since March 2020. Of those, 18% of all U.S. adults reportedly lost an average of 26 pounds, while 42% gained an average of 29 pounds. Whether you are part of the majority or the minority, you can develop an engaging fitness routine to get into shape and build a body you’re confident with. Some fun ways to get moving include dancing, walking, fitness boxing, yoga, and Zumba, all of which can be found along the shores of Lake Chapala in one of the best climates in the world.

Prepare to Dazzle With a New, Mask-Free Smile

Now that the masks have come off and you’re forced to show your smile again, you may have realized how dissatisfied you are with it. If this is the case, consider getting your teeth straightened. According to one survey, 70% of adults believe that they can boost their confidence by changing one tiny thing about their appearance. Of adults who invested in teeth straightening treatment, 92% said building their confidence was their primary motivator. Half who underwent this procedure said others perceive them as being more successful and attractive. As a bonus, it can help you keep your pearly whites cleaner, as crooked teeth are difficult to clean and prone to plaque and tartar buildup. There are dozens of teeth straightening care plans, but one of the most popular is the aligner method. Aligners gradually move your teeth into place and work for mild to moderate cases of misalignment. They also make it easy to brush and floss and are simple to clean. Before selecting an aligner, carefully consider treatment time, effectiveness, affordability, and whether results are guaranteed. Lake Chapala has a active tourist based dental business offering affordable dental care with top notch dentists featuring the latest equipment.

Vow to Have a Better Work-Life Balance OR Consider Early Retirement

Before you re-enter the world, make a promise to yourself to maintain a better work-life balance. For many people, re-entry anxiety stems from the thought of returning to the old normal, which was actually quite stressful. If you are lucky enough to enjoy a flexible work arrangement, living abroad can offer you the opportunity to spend more time with your loved ones and the ability to vacation whenever you want. With 3 fiber optic companies now available in Lake Chapala we are enjoying fantastic speeds and reliability like never before, making working from abroad a viable solution to a new and exciting life.

Be Kinder to Yourself

Finally, just remember to be kind to yourself. Eat a healthy, wholesome diet, take time to do things you love and, if necessary, make that career switch or take early retirement. As the world eases into its post-pandemic self, now is the time to make those major changes you’ve been putting off for so long. If you feel anxious about re-entering the world, you’re not alone. However, in-person interactions must resume eventually. To make your transition easier, give the above tips a try.

Guest contributor, Sheila Johnson, left the corporate world and long hours behind to start her own business - she’s looking, feeling, and working better than she has in years! She created WellSheila.net as a place to not only share her story, but inspire others to put their physical and mental health first with a regular wellness routine and daily self-care.