Topic Tuesday// Adjusting to Covid Normal// Tues 25th October 2022 7-8:30PM AEDT

Next Question: In terms of advocating for what’s right for us, how can we establish covid-related boundaries around situations with others when formal restrictions – like mask mandates - are disappearing? @EliseSunflower

In terms of re-evaluating... I know that for me, it's taken a while to figure out what I'm comfortable with... especially when things can change so rapidly. A year ago - or even a couple of months ago - I probably would have had a very different answer to this question.

I definitely resonate with being worried that I may still contract it! I am also a mask wearer in some certain situations (medical settings, public transport etc.) as I see it as my one way to control this pretty uncontrollable thing - which can make me feel a bit less anxious knowing that there is something I can do to protect myself while re-entering into situations and events that we didn't have during lockdown (e.g. the commute to work).

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@TideisTurning wrote:

Next Question: In terms of advocating for what’s right for us, how can we establish covid-related boundaries around situations with others when formal restrictions – like mask mandates - are disappearing? @EliseSunflower

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Ah, boundaries! A tricky topic.

At the time of this discussion, there are very few COVID-related policies restrictions in place, compared to what was in place in 2020 and 2021. For many people, life feels normal again. Others might feel that their very real health concerns are being minimised or ignored.

As I mentioned before, everyone will have their own degree of social interaction, and COVID-risk reduction strategies, that works for them. That means there may be clashes in terms of what you, and others, feel comfortable with.

It’s okay to say no to situations that make you uncomfortable. Self-advocacy is such an important skill to have! Supportive people will respect each other's wishes.

But it’s also important to be mindful of others’ wishes and levels of comfort, too – whether they are more, or less, comfortable than you.

Sometimes that might mean negotiating something that everyone is comfortable with. Meeting in the middle. In other situations, one person might have to be firm. For example, if someone is immunocompromised, they will need to establish clearer boundaries around what they are willing to do, and ask for reasonable adjustments. No one should expect people to take risks with their health, or the health of their loved ones.

Hi @TideisTurning

Thanks for the tag. I've just completed the whole dinner and clean up thing, but I'll probably read back through this thread later 🙂

No worries @StuF 😊 Glad you could stop by!

Thanks for joining @StuF, we hope you enjoy reading back afterwards 😊

@amber22 that makes total sense! Having a sense of some control where it can feel like there is no control at all can be huge, and I'm glad you've found small ways to take power back in that way 💛

@amber22 @TideisTurning I feel the same way!

@Shaz51 @Captain24 I'm wondering if the idea of lack of control resonates with either of you, and if so, if there are ways you can think of you might be able to take back a little control?

Meanwhile, our next question for @EliseSunflower; With the world opening back up again, how can we navigate getting back into the workplace in the right way for us, e.g. hybrid models of working?