80% of Brits Anxious About Lockdown Lifting

I’ve noticed lately that my mates are firmly divided into two camps.

There are those of us who are counting down the hours until the lockdown restrictions lift, and then there are all the people who are absolutely dreading it.

And my chums who are not so thrilled about the imminent return to normality are actually in the majority.

According to a new survey a whopping 81 per cent of Brits – that’s four out of five – are feeling anxious about getting back into the swing of pre-pandemic life once again.

We have been left daunted following fifteen months of uncertainty, and many are now fearing a return to the office, visiting the in laws and even dating back out in the real world.

The research also revealed that people will miss being able to wear whatever they want, the slower pace of life and time spent as a family.

But in response to the findings, TV channel Dave has partnered with charity CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) to create fun conversational cue cards to help us out with awkward social situations.

A host of comedians including Seann Walsh, Darren Harriott, Stevie Martin, Ahir Shah and Ania Magliano have also created self-help videos to smooth the transition to normality.

The short comedy films designed to help break the ice deal with everything from remembering how to dance in public to leaving a party without being noticed. There are also tips on pub etiquette, how to adapt back to commuting and talking to strangers.

The nation’s collective symptoms of post-lockdown anxiety are set to peak over the coming weeks, as we can finally start meeting up inside, stay over at other people’s houses and get together in pubs and restaurants.

After being confined to our homes and communicating via phones and screens for so long, more than three quarters of us are nervous about interacting with other people in real life.

And the prospect of attending large-scale events like sports matches or festivals when the restrictions are fully eased is giving rise to widespread anxiety.

But among the smaller things giving us worry are the right way to greet people and – shockingly – having dealing with the in-laws (no change there then).

The top ten social situations Brits are dreading most are:

1. Greeting etiquette. What’s OK now? Waving? Shaking hands? Elbow bump? Surely not a hug. (44%)

2. Going to a party with more than six people. Imagine. (32%)

3. Work meetings and presentations in real life. With actual people. In the actual flesh (26%)

4. Interaction with staff and fellow diners in restaurants. All those people out out! (28%)

5. Trying on clothes in shops – that harsh lighting does nobody any favours (25%)

6. Going back to the dentist (24%)

7. Long overdue visit with the in-laws (23%)

8. Mixing with randomers at a festival or gig. Mmm all those sweaty strangers? (20%)

9. Making small talk with a hairdresser. Been anywhere nice? Obviously not, no (19%)

10. Dating in person (16%)

The study also showed that 51% of us plan on adding some embellishments to make our past year seem more interesting. You mean you don’t want to hear about my banana bread again?

And 47% claim they won’t know what to say to extended family when they come face to face.

In true British fashion, of course, 76% intend to revert to talking about the weather when we can’t think of anything else to say.

Steve North of UKTV’s said: “Coming out of lockdown is stressful for the best of us. Gone are the days of being able to mute someone on Zoom or blame bad internet when you want to sneak out of an event.

“Dave is all about bringing people together to have a laugh – and we’re thrilled to be working with CALM to help encourage people to start having real life conversations again.”

Simon Gunning, CEO of CALM added: “There’s no denying lockdown has had an huge impact on our physical and mental wellbeing.

“In the 365 days following the first lockdown the CALM helpline has answered over 147,000 calls and chats. That is a call for help every 62 seconds, with chats around topics such as isolation, anxiety, relationship concerns, health worries, financial stress and suicidal thoughts.

“We’re all on different timeframes, so it’s important not to expect too much. Humour is a great way to make people feel at ease.”