Remember you are in charge
As restrictions ease many of the things you haven’t been able to do in a while, such as going to a movie or a concert, are now fully available to you once again. Take time to assess what you feel comfortable participating in and what you don’t. If you feel anxious, ease slowly back into activities that are easy to manage, such as a face-to-face visit with a close friend you haven’t seen in a long time, and build up from there.
Get information from trusted sources
There are a variety of messages coming from different sources that may confuse the actions you should be taking. We encourage you to find information about COVID-19 trends and protective actions from our website, Ontario.ca, or the Government of Canada.
Check in with others when making plans
Before socializing with others, talk about the situation with them to make sure everybody is on the same page about what feels comfortable. Some things to consider in your conversation can include: how many people will be present, where will the event take place, if indoors will the space be well ventilated, will food be present, will guests feel comfortable wearing a mask?
Talk or write about how you feel
It can feel isolating or lonely when you're struggling with the pace of the changes and the challenges we have faced during the pandemic. Chances are that someone you know feels the same way. Opening up to a person you trust can be really helpful, whether it's a friend or family member, a health care provider or an organization’s helpline or online forum.
Another way to explore your feelings may be to keep a diary or journal. This can help to track your mood over time and remind yourself of the progress you have made. As your confidence begins to grow, you can look back over your entries to see how far you have come.