There is no shame in telling people that you feel overloaded. It’s actually courageous.

We’re living in a stressful era with uncertainties about our careers or jobs, worrying about exams, family members, finances etc. Many of us are still learning how to navigate our daily demands, or how to structure our days, where working from home is the new normal.

It’s all too easy to start accepting invitations post lockdown, or feeling that you ought to say “yes” – even if your head actually requires you to say “no”.  It is likely that you’re still in the process of shaping up and getting used to your new regime. All changes take time to root!

So, if you feel pressured by people and your mind hurts with anxiety, then tell them that you need more time – tell your loved ones that you feel overloaded at the moment. You could seek advice from your friends or your doctor, if you feel that you need to.

If someone invites you to something, and you don’t feel ready to commit to social engagements yet, try suggesting a future date and offer to keep in touch via Facetime or text instead for now. Perhaps arrange a zoom meeting, as opposed to a physical one. Recognise that you need extra time to organise yourself before you are ready to jump back into your old lifestyle. Remember that your old daily patterns have probably changed considerably now.

There will be new opportunities on the horizon for you, but you must be mindful about how you take care of your mental health first. Asserting yourself and expressing your feelings now will provide you with stronger personal foundations moving forward.