Millions feel overwhelmed by the thought of returning back to 'normal' life after lockdown

More than a quarter of adults feel overwhelmed at the thought of life after lockdown – when life admin and social occasions kick in.

A study of 2,000 adults found 38 per cent are now used to living in the ‘slow lane’ and 23 per cent are not looking forward to life becoming more fast-paced from Monday (May 17th).

Just over three in 10 (31 per cent) want to keep a balance of ‘me time’ and social plans as restrictions continue to ease.

And 27 per cent went as far as to say they haven't missed having a diary full of events.

It also emerged that while 28 per cent are excited about getting their social life back, 25 per cent are anxious and 23 per cent feel nervous.

A third are not looking forward to being in busy, crowded spaces in the near future and 18 per cent don’t want the pressure of making small talk.

Instead, more than three in 10 would like to ease back into a busy social life post lockdown slowly rather than all at once.

And one in six are stressed out at the thought of the amount of life admin and organisation that comes with plans.  

A spokesperson for broadband provider Virgin Media which commissioned the research to launch its free virtual assistant service, said: “There are clearly mixed feelings about life after lockdown as we accelerate towards a post-restriction world.

“After more than a year spent staying connected with loved ones online and socialising virtually, we’re approaching another shift with many feeling overwhelmed by the growing number of social plans and life admin that come with it.