Create a modified routine to maintain normalcy during these abnormal times
The year 2020 is off to a rough start. With earthquakes, fires, floods and now a mysterious new strain of corona virus all but shutting down life as we know it, what does this mean for us? For some the transition to remote work has been smooth. For others, not so much and some are left suddenly unemployed. With childcare, aging parent care and schooling now being the parents full responsibility, we are being hit at every angle with little hope for outside aid. So how do we cope in these times? How are we going to come out of this experience if not stronger, at least the same? Hear at Bullionite we have devised a list of 8 tips to keep your sanity and perhaps even develop some new, lasting habits that will lead your life for the better.
1- Keep a Schedule
While it is tempting to completely shut down, you should still try to maintain a schedule similar to your life before. Of course this can and likely will be a more relaxed schedule than your normal life. You can be gentle with yourself and allow the extra sleep you may need to deal with the stress or just need to catch up on rest from your previous schedule, but once you are awake, pick up your normal habits. Shower, coffee, exercise, whatever your morning routine was, modify it to your socially distanced life. This is also a time you can set up a new morning routine, the one you always wished you had time for. (Click here for some killer morning routines). It takes two weeks to form a habit, so now is the perfect time to start. Be kind to yourself though and allow yourself mourning for this sudden change. It is natural to mourn a sudden and uncontrollable change. Personally, I allowed myself one week to sleep in and acclimate to the new life before moving forward. In this period I figured out a game plan for my finances and created a plan for how I would spend my time in quarantine.
2- Dress for Dinner
The concept of dressing for dinner is an old one from the pomp and circumstance of yore but the concept can be revived for solitary life. We are not suggesting actually busting out the black tie for dinner (though theme nights could be fun for your family) but changing your clothes from what you wore to bed, combing your hair, even styling and makeup will make you feel better and be more productive in your day. Don't let yourself fester in musty pajamas all day or your mood will also become stagnant. This is an old trick for writer's block and other self governed work. Likewise, if you are feeling stuck don't underestimate the power of a good sweat and shower to reset the brain, which brings us to number 3.
3- Form an Exercise Routine
Even if you were never a fitness person, sitting in the house day in and day out is still under your normal activity level and you are going to start feeling the tolls in your mood and body. If you are one that never ran or did much physical activity, start with brisk walks daily. You can monitor your progress with your favorite smartwatch or measure the distance by driving the length of your path with your car. Most areas are still allowing outside exercise and we are blessed to still be in Spring, so take advantage of the weather and go outside! For those more advanced in their exercise routines, check out our at home workouts guaranteed to challenge you even at home.
4- Keep a Journal
We are living in a historical time and historians over at Chippewa Valley Museum (https://www.cvmuseum.com/ ) are asking for everyone to keep a journal of their Covid-19 life for future historical collections. Personal journals are considered primary sources in history; that is a historical document that is considered first in formulating official histories. Let your legacy be part of the historic record and give your day some structure by taking time everyday to write in a journal for just 15 minutes. Not only will this help you organize your thoughts and ideas, it will also serve a higher purpose when we come out of this historic event.
5- Limit your News Intake
In the 24 hour news cycle, even the most insignificant events can suddenly hold weight as news sources struggle to keep an ongoing update of articles. In times of crisis this can become addicting, especially with little other things to do. So we suggest picking a time in the day that you read the news and then tune it out for the rest of the day. Panic and worry do nothing to help the issues at hand. Don't forget that when you do choose to read the news to be mindful of facts and sources of the news. Misreported information is always a reality, but in times of fear and unknowing it is even more important to be mindful of the author's intentions in writing the story. Is this fear mongering? Opinion? Speculation? Is the medical advice offered backed by real medical science? Think critically in your daily news reading before accepting what is written before you.
6- Connect
Though we are not allowed to be physically close, we can still reach out to friends and loved ones via phone, video chat, Zoom and so on. One perk of these unprecedented times is that we do have more time to share with those we love. Likewise, now is the time to start up that book club you and your friends have always been talking about or revive the late night slumber parties with old friends. Make some snacks and a drink and start a group video chat to do anything from gossip to watch a movie together.
7- Don't Forget to Breathe
Here at Bullionite we always have valued the importance of meditation and breathing exercises. Now more than ever, we need to be listening to our bodies and helping them heal. Even if you have never mediated before, now is the perfect time to start. We have a great introduction to mindfulness here but also take advantage of the guided meditations and breathing exercises usually offered for free on YouTube and several places online. Even the UN has several different lengths and styles of relaxation techniques offered here, https://www.un.org/en/coronavirus/wellness. Even 5 minutes a day of controlled breathing can help reduce blood pressure and cortisol levels which in turn will give you a better equipped mind for quarantine life.
8- Pick up a New Skill
This is an “advanced” tip that not everyone will be in the right headspace to develop something new in their life right now, and that is ok! We will all have good days and bad days in confinement and while learning a new skill could be fun, if it becomes a source of anxiety then this tip is not for you. We all process stress differently and while some of us will want to use free moments to learn as a distraction, others may not be able to. We must avoid the trap of forcing ourselves to be productive, when the world is so uncertain, you are not required to be productive, but if brushing up on your French makes you feel good then by all means pick up an online lesson! If this tip sounds like fun to you, be sure to search the internet for so many classes being offered right now. Many classes are donation based or free for the first month as companies are expanding their online options.
Did we miss something? Have any tips of your own to share? Feel free to reach out to us at info@bullionite.com