By late spring the collective energy is usually at peak ‘out there’. The Spring Racing Carnival is in full swing and invites for end of year celebrations pile up.

But this year in cities like Melbourne, Sydney and Auckland things aren’t quite back to normal. Other than the remaining restrictions, some people are feeling bruised by the wide-ranging impact of repeated lockdowns.

While some have fully thrown themselves back into life, others are more cautious about their re-entry.

Finding joy again

How you feel about being getting back to pre-pandemic normal again may depend on the state of your current physical and mental health, or even if you’re an introvert or extrovert.

Being an ambivert, I’m always seeking a balance of stimulation and quiet. I love people but prefer smaller gatherings. Being in crowded places can feel overwhelming.

Re-entry needs to be at your own pace, even if it’s different to your friends and family. There’s no right or wrong way to embrace it.

If you’re struggling to find your mojo after lockdown, create a joy list. Write down what gives you pleasure. It might be simple things you’ve rediscovered or something on a grander scale.

Let’s face it, we could all do with finding joy again!

Essential Meaning of joy

1: a feeling of great happiness
2: a source or cause of great happiness: something or someone that gives joy to someone
Merriam-Webster dictionary

My spring joy list

I’ve found that some of the things that usually bring me joy, aren’t doing it so much right now. For example, I’m not feeling comfortable in cramped or noisy venues at the moment, so for eating out to be pleasurable it depends on the restaurant.

My joy list is very simple.

Music – finally downloaded my old iTunes library onto a USB to play in the car.
Singing in the car.
Bush walks – bathing my senses in nature.
Natural beauty – sunsets, exploring the lush urban coastline, flowers.
Listening to bird song.
Creating spring salads with lashings of Green Goddess dressing.
Brunch tacos
Jacarandas in bloom carpeting streets in purple rain.
In-person yoga/stretch classes again – it’s so good to hang out with my favourite yogi peeps!
Dreaming of travel – watching travel vlogs.
Relaxed hangs with 1 or 2 friends
Discovering elderflower trees and other herbal delights in bloom

Not feeling the joy yet?

You’re not alone. A US study found an increase in mental health issues including depression, anxiety and psychological distress, on coming out of lockdown.

Other than anxiety and/or depression, trauma can present in different ways. From feeling numb, to being irritable, having difficulty concentrating or using alcohol or substances to suppress uncomfortable feelings.

The first step is to acknowledge the problem, then it’s easier to find the help you need to work through the issues.

Resources

Mental Health Europe: six easy to follow tips to decrease post-lockdown anxiety.

Not sure if you’re depressed? Take this test.

Blues busting tips.

Not sure if you’re anxious? Take the test.

Lifestyle suggestions to ease anxiety.

Beyond Blue.

If you’d like to explore how herbal medicine can help your moods, book an online naturopathy consultation.

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• Finding joy: February update
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