shopping during a pandemic

How Your Personality Will Influence Your Return to a Post-COVID World

Personality definitely plays a role in how people will adapt to a post-COVID world. It might seem like “everyone” is looking forward to getting vaccinated and returning to a normal life, though in reality, not everyone feels the same way. If you have reservations about jumping back into the life you used to have, you are not alone. 

Your personality has a lot to do with how you cope with the pandemic. Some people are eager to get back to normal while others might be dreading the transition. Know that there is no one way to respond, just as there was no one way to handle the initial news of the pandemic.

Of course, when you’re dealing with addiction, you can’t just ignore your feelings. You must try to understand where they are coming from. To help you with this, we’re going to talk about how the different personality types can affect how you adapt to life as things return to normal. 

Different Personality Types: Which One Are You? 

Personality traits play a significant role in overall mental health and your ability to cope with stressful events like the pandemic. According to most contemporary personality psychologists, there are five basic dimensions of personality called the “big five.” Some people are high, low or middle in these traits. Your unique combination makes you who you are.

The personality traits included in the “big five” are: 

  • Extroversion. Characterized by sociability, talkativeness and assertiveness, extroverts are outgoing and enjoy being around people. Those low in extroversion prefer solitude and feel exhausted when having to socialize a lot. 
  • Agreeableness. This personality trait includes trust, altruism, kindness and affection. People who are high in this trait tend to be cooperative, whereas those low in the trait are more competitive and manipulative. 
  • Openness. This trait features imagination and insight. People who are high in this trait tend to have a wide range of interests, while people who are low in this trait tend to resist new ideas and change.  
  • Conscientiousness. People who are high in the conscientious trait are thoughtful, organized and mindful. Those low in the trait tend to struggle with structure and are prone to procrastination. 
  • Neuroticism. Neuroticism is characterized by sadness, moodiness and emotional imbalance. Being high in this trait makes you easily stressed, anxious and upset. Being low in this trait means you’re relaxed and emotionally stable. 

Adapting to a Post-COVID World with Your Unique Personality 

The pandemic is not over yet, but many things are returning to “normal.” Kids are going back to school, office buildings are returning to normal capacity and measures like mask mandates and social distancing are being lifted. This doesn’t mean things can’t go back, but for now, we are gradually transitioning to the world we knew before COVID-19. 

Your personality plays a role in how you adapt to this process. Here are some things to know. 

Extroverts are more likely to thrive.

Extroverts tend to thrive in social settings and gain energy from being around others. When social distancing measures were put in place, many extroverts struggled from being cut off from others. But now that things are returning to normal, they’re feeling relieved and looking for opportunities to reconnect with others. 

Obviously, if you’re an extrovert, you’re going to have an easier time adjusting to a post-pandemic world. As long as you manage your triggers and make healthy decisions, you should have no trouble transitioning to a normal routine. 

Introverts may have more of a challenge. 

Unlike extroverts, introverts tend to feel drained when they’re around others. This doesn’t mean they don’t like to socialize – they just need time to recharge after spending time with others. Because many introverts did well working from home and distancing themselves from others, the return to normal patterns of living may be more of a challenge. 

If you are an introvert, some of the things you’ll be returning to may have you stressed, such as small talk at work and attending social functions. Many introverts admit having trouble getting back to normalcy without letting go of the slower pace of life they’ve enjoyed this past year. 

Remember, you don’t have to lose the things you enjoyed during the pandemic. You can choose to keep some of the things that have brought you peace. For instance, talk to your boss about working from home, be more selective about the events you attend and make more time for self-care. 

Ambiverts will likely have mixed feelings. 

Ambiverts share characteristics of both introverts and extroverts. They generally enjoy being alone but can ramp up their social efforts when it’s time. Ambiverts do enjoy having a social life, but they need time to recharge. 

Like extroverts, ambiverts will probably have an easier time adjusting to a post-pandemic world. They’re looking forward to reconnecting with others, though there are probably things they’ll want to keep, such as working from home. 

If you’re an ambivert, take inventory to see what you need. You might be eager to return to work and social activities, though you may recognize your need for more self-care and relaxation. 

Tips for Coping as You Return to Society 

Just as everyone responded differently to news of the pandemic, everyone will have a unique experience as they gradually return to everyday life. It’s okay to have mixed feelings, so remember to practice good self-care in the meantime. Too much stress can put you at risk for relapse. 

Some tips to help you ease back into society are: 

  • Make time for self-care 
  • Practice your coping skills
  • Increase your attendance at support groups or therapy 
  • Find a good work-life balance 
  • Talk to other people about how you’re feeling
  • Practice mindfulness and other relaxation techniques 

Awakenings is Here for You During this Period of Transition 

Don’t be afraid to reach out for help during this period of transition. Awakenings Treatment Center is here for you! We have various levels of care to support our clients on their path to recovery. Whether you need to enter a treatment program or simply get help while transitioning to society, we have programs to support you. Contact Awakenings Treatment Center today to learn more.