These days, many of us are far from our well–established routines. Morning stops for coffee, afternoon lunches, and evening trips to the gym are all gone. But now more than ever, it is essential to find a rhythm, even if it's different than the one your days used to move to.
For many of us, it's way too easy to get through an entire week in sweats with our bottom halves conveniently hidden by our laptop cameras. A conference call at 8:00 a.m.? You can likely wake up at 7:50 a.m. and still make it. For many, ourselves attend all of our classes in a day from bed is the new norm. And while there's nothing wrong with making this situation a little easier for ourselves with the occasional lie–in or elastic waistbands, like everything in life, it's better in moderation.
In these unprecedented circumstances, it's increasingly important to attempt to find purpose and routine for our new lifestyles. Setting the alarm, getting dressed, eating breakfast, and just going through your typical morning can create a sense of normalcy in a time marked by anything but. I make sure to set my alarm every morning, walk my dogs, and have a cup of coffee. But for others, this might mean scrolling through social media before hopping in the shower. Routines don't need to be busy, just well–established.
Given the fact that we don't know when this new normal is going to end, it's helpful to treat each week as a somewhat typical work or school week—if you can. I like to treat my days like a normal school day—minus the walk down Locust between classes. I also always make sure to find times to talk with my friends, via FaceTime, each day no matter what timezone we now find ourselves in.
I believe this will help to create a sense of consistency that is hard to find. Trying to develop a routine for yourself can help give you a sense of motivation, stability, and purpose. Yes, you can still use some days for sweatpants and work from your bed, but an overall sense of normalcy can have immense benefits. Having a routine helps me stay on top of school work, reduces stress, and increases my momentum and resolve to get through quarantine.
And if you have more time now, use it. I can exercise from home each day with many favorite workout studios. You can use your extra downtime to relax, do something you love, or try something completely new. There are also apps providing therapy to you at your home and ensure you are staying mentally healthy during this immensely challenging period. Ultimately, quarantine doesn't mean giving up the things you love or the healthy habits you've formed. It simply means doing them differently.
Practice social distancing, stay at home, and wear a mask. All Americans should be doing this already, but being healthy also means staying energized and happy.
