This creates problems when the pleasurable feeling of enjoyment mutates to a fear of the future. Your mindful way of being becomes blocked by anxious thoughts about going back to managing the pressure of life, meeting the expectations and needs of others, rushing to arrive at places on time.

The good news is that if you have recognised this now, you can start to act. You can start rewriting your script so that you can continue your life in a way that allows the calm to stay.

Recognise what you enjoy and what you fear

Think about what you enjoy about having to stay at home. As someone who struggles to take time for myself, this lockdown has provided me with the excuse I needed to do what I want. To-do lists all around the world are being ticked off faster than ever before and yet, he pride of a fully completed list can be stomped all over by the anxiety of how quickly it will grow once lockdown is over. 

As you recognise what it is you relish, write it down. In a separate section, write down what you fear about going back to your old way of living. At the top of your list write the following two statements:

• “Before you assist others, always put your oxygen mask on first.”
• “My world improved immediately when I stopped seeking the approval of others and began approving of myself.”

And, here are two simple phrases to remind you that:

• You need to be fulfilled in order to fulfil others.
• Your life will improve if you follow your dreams instead of allowing others to tell you what you can and can’t do.

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If you feel health anxiety is a struggle please read my article on How to deal with health anxiety – Hypnotherapy Directory (hypnotherapy-directory.org.uk).

In addition, there are more articles on anxiety here.