During Move-In Day on August 21st, 2021, there was a moment where I was rushing over to move in a new freshman student. Most of the day I was in my building office, only interacting with the hundred or so people that moved in throughout the day. When I left the building, I saw, for the first time in 2 years, hundreds, no, thousands of people walking all around Bradley’s campus. A welcome sight to be sure, but I had to take a moment and breathe, just breathe. I could not recall the last time I had seen so many people in such a small space. It was overwhelming. Going from little to no interaction to those outside of my close circle, to now seeing thousands of faces I did not recognize was a lot to process all at once. However, I am not the only one to share in these feelings.
After a year of virtual interaction and isolation, jumping headfirst into socialization can feel like a daunting task. It was difficult making the transition to periods of non-action, and it will be just as difficult, if not more so, to go back to increased levels of social activity. Socializing is like a muscle – if it is not used for periods of time, getting right back in will take time and practice. Social anxiety about these interactions is at an all-time high. Luckily, there are ways that we can overcome our fears about increased socialization.
Tip #1: Get out of your room! (Even if it is to be alone)
Staying couped up in a room, especially a dorm room, can offer a sense of comfort and security. Knowing that it is a safe space is important, but frequently remaining there can lead to more issues. Going for a walk outside, getting coffee with a few friends or a roommate, or just people watching is a quick and easy way to get used to seeing groups of people again.
Tip #2: Don’t move too fast.
Though going to five parties on Saturday may seem like a great way to “make up for lost time” the shock exposure could actually do more harm than good. If the turtle taught us anything, it is that slow and steady wins the race. Although you may want to get in as many things or events as possible, setting boundaries for interaction can provide a greater sense of control when dealing with social anxiety.
Tip#3: You are not alone!
During periods of high social anxiety, it may seem like no one else could understand the valid thoughts and feelings you are experiencing. Attempting to go back into the world is scary, especially when there is still so much uncertainty and fear about the world we are going back into. Even if everyone around you says they are feeling fine, this author is with you and feeling those very same feelings.
It’s a new school year. Something still feels wrong about writing 2021, but here we are. There are so many new opportunities to try, people to meet, risks to take and that can seem overwhelming. Taking it day by day, hour by hour, or minute by minute can make those daunting tasks seem like nothing. Although the shock of thousands of people on campus was great, and the social anxieties that came with it can sometimes seem like too much to bear, we ARE back on campus. We ARE together again. And if we take it at our own pace, it will be a year to remember.