Presentation, Analysis

If we consider what life was like before COVID-19 and compare that with our experience during
isolation, we can start to re-inhabit our possible new lives and new selves.

With a little bit of reflection, planning and action we can come out of the COVID-19 experience with a
more adaptive mindset. This will help us to buffer the shock of new challenges and increase our sense of
control over our lives, and allow us to directly focus on life’s opportunities and possibilities.

The key task now, regardless of our initial reactions to the restored freedoms after isolation, is to curb
impulsive action and make a benefit of the experience by carefully developing new positive habits.

For many people this won’t be easy, especially for those who have lost work, income, livelihoods,
stability and especially those who have lost loved ones. For many, the experience of COVID-19 is coupled
with profound grief.

People in this situation may not have the necessary resources to generate a “positive bump” from the
easing of restrictions as others will. They may need support from family and friends, their community
and government.

Sometimes we need to rest a while with sadness and grief and eventually its impact subsides or prompts
us to seek professional help in managing our negative emotions, thoughts and behaviours. Eventually, a
new outlook on life and new actions can emerge.