I’m a bit of a mixed bag of feelings right now: ridiculously excited I can see friends IRL again (I’m in Sydney, where lockdown has lifted), but also super anxious about all this new human contact.

I’ve been hunkered down for so long, been so worried about the prospect of bringing the virus home to my baby – I have rarely met up with anyone during lockdown, even outdoors.

But I’m a huge extrovert, this is not my natural state.

So how to deal with these conflicting feelings? I know I’m not the only one feeling anxious, and Molly Hunt confirms that in her ABC Everyday cartoon about reuniting with friends.

Sofie Wainwright has some expert tips on how to emerge from your cocoon.

Or you could approach the situation like a bear coming out of hibernation.
And our recent All in the Mind episode on the peculiar power of talking to strangers might help inspire you to reach out to new people.

Of course, it’s a different story for some of you. To readers still in lockdown, all I can say is – I’m so sorry! Better days are hopefully not too far off.

Wherever you are, consider this your preparation pack for opening up.

Sana