Nervous about our first real day out.

[xLovexstoryx]

Decided to take the plunge. Partner is off work this week. We've done nothing since march other than walks. Walks and more walks. 2 little trips to the park and a visit or two to My parents garden.

I've booked a trip to the zoo tomorrow for the kids. It's just over an hour away. I really really really want to have a. Amazing day. But I'm over thinking it because I've lost my confidence massively in lockdown. I feel so sluggish. The simplest things can leavee shattered like an hour's walk. I have developed anxiety but it isn't everyday. I hate the fact my body is out of routine and I've got a fear of not feeling right whilst out.

I just don't know how to relax and let my mind stop worrying. I can't believe Ive commited to 5-6 hours out the house. I have sometimes been a mile walk from home and have felt really drained and had to walk home quickly. No obvious reason. Just lost my stamina.

Sorry for the waffle. Just hope someone can relate.

The best thing you can do is....do it. I have been ok but know lots feel like this. Have a fun day x

I think it might have been better to work up to it.

I live in a borough that was a terrible infection hotspot in the early days, and I avoided shops for 8 weeks, shopping one a fortnight. But walked in parks etc, and now do more shopping.

It takes a while not to be paranoid every time someone comes within 2m etc. But you get used to it and learn that you are so unlikely to become ill from outdoor encounters.

So you probably will feel on edge going straight for it.

But that isn’t a reason not to go to the zoo.

Remember: there were no infection spikes after the big demonstration marches and beach incidents.

Enjoy your day.

I was at a zoo when they first opened and everything was prepared well - one way system, hand sanitising stations, numbers reduced etc. That gave me peace of mind. Can you break up the day? Say an hour then a picnic then see a bit more? Is there a playpark in it you can stop at for a bit? Talk to your partner about how you are feeling too. Sometimes I found when I was really anxious it was the idea of something that was worse than actually doing it. Good luck.

Thank you. We will take a picnic.

Is it easy to access toilets do you know? Also are masks needed for loos? I think I know my toddler is going to be a handful and we have to go around it in a set order. But hopefully once we are there I will just enjoy being! It feels like it's all about the new rules and it makes me feel overwhelmed. But I'm sure it's not as bad as I'm thinking. I will update you all. I just don't want the kids to miss out on a whole summer and have no memories of anything fun.

I've been to the zoo twice now since they opened and booked to go next week (we are members so a regular haunt for us). The ones we have been to have been very well managed. Toilets are always a pinch point - just try to figure out the ones which won't be as busy - ie no the ones right next to the entrance!

If you have a set order - can you find it out before and then help toddler to plan the order to follow the route! If first shall we see the x, then after that shall we head to y etc. I find mine are better if they know!

I get the stamina thing, I am suffering too but have found if out and about doing something new I am better - ie went shopping and a haircut last week and was fine, but wiped out for the afternoon!

Hi and thank you. Feel myself wanting to wiggle out of it right now. I hate the person I'm becoming. I used to love days out. Now I just want to get there and get back as quick as I can.

Convinced my tummys getting unsettled now too. It's frustrating me because my mind's so used to home now, it's afraid to leave. As soon as my energy drops I panic.

I hope I can go and be happy for the day.

Tell yourself that if it turns out to be dangerous, or people are crowding, you will just leave and go home.

It won"t be dangerous - the zoo will have worked so hard to make sure everything is safe and enjoyable, and they have a huge vested interest in it all being as perfect as it can be. However, giving yourself advance permission to leave can help you manage your apprehension.

My big step was going into work after over 3 months of only leaving the house for walks or cycle rides in the countryside, and not meeting anyone. So I went from only being under my own roof and in my own company straight into a day of meetings with a series of different people in another building. What was odd about being at work was how normal it was!

I think you will love it. As a PP said, you just have to do it.

Hi

That's sounds a bit like agoraphobia to be honest in that you are more comfortable at home and get anxious at being away from home. You might want to try some meditation to help calm your thoughts or if it continues I would speak to your GP for help. CBT is good for agoraphobia

Thanks to you both for your replies. I think I just need exposure but it's so hard to relax about it tonight. I have definitely not abit phobic but I'm trying to coax myself back out of it. I will take rescue remedy tonight and in the morning. Hopefully that will help me relax. Thanks again. I've made the picnic to make morning easier. I'm determined to do it and be happy. Got to wear masks for the gift shop but other than that I think it's mask free x