There are many situations in which people experience some level of isolation from the outside world. Some act as primary caregivers for a loved one who needs 24-hour attention. When families move to a new city, they are often overwhelmed by the realization that they are the only people they know there. Families with very young children or immunocompromised members may still be practicing isolation from public events as new variants of the coronavirus emerge. 

Regardless of the reason for isolation, there is typically an adjustment period when you come out of it. It may feel awkward or even scary. There are a few practices that can make the transition easier.

Use Journaling To Track Progress

There are a lot of emotions involved in any major adjustment to the way you live. Sometimes it helps to keep a written account of the change. Putting things down in black and white can let you identify what's working and what isn't more clearly.

Begin your journal with a reflection of what you learned in isolation. What started as coping mechanisms may have become habits that have helped you grow as a person. These same practices can keep you grounded and thus help coming out of isolation go more smoothly. List the new skills and routines that you have taken on to enrich your life:

• Meditating
• Cooking healthy meals
• Sticking to your exercise regimen
• Engaging in fun hobbies
• Making art

As you move forward, take time at the end of each day to jot down what was exciting, what was difficult, what worked well and what needs improvement. After a while, you should be able to track useful patterns.

Take Your Time

Some people are so relieved that their period of isolation is over that they jump back into the schedule they had before with both feet. This can be extremely overwhelming, though. Furthermore, they may discover that they are once again trapped by obligations in which they no longer have any interest. Soon, they find themselves retreating again, disappointed that the life they were so excited to get back to doesn't work the way they expected.

A more sensible approach is to return in increments. If your reintroduction to society begins by going back to work in the office rather than working from home, that may be all the change you need for a month or two. Then continue by choosing the social activity you've missed the most. For example, try attending a service at your church in person for a few weeks. Once you've adjusted to that routine, add others gradually. This method not only helps you ease back into life outside your home but also makes it easier to identify the things you used to do that you are no longer interested in.

Maintain Strong Family Ties

Many people believe that being together exclusively for a long period of time will make their family relationships inevitably stronger. Limited contact with others outside the family, however, often results in intense social needs that family members simply cannot fill. Relationships can become strained, and harmful things can be said and done as everyone tries to deal with this loneliness in their own way. Coming out of isolation can bring immense relief.

It can be hurtful, though, to immediately abandon your family relationships the first chance you get. While being isolated together may have been difficult, it probably helped you understand each other and grow closer in some ways. Honor that closeness by putting aside time to be together going forward.

Reentering society after a period of isolation, no matter how brief, can be daunting. If you take your time and make mindful choices, however, the process is more likely to go smoothly.