Being stuck in the quarantine routine, it feels like a lawless town… or the airport.
One minute you’re doing your normal routine: going to work, daily gym session, happy hour, weekend brunch with friends and the next, you’re trying not to touch anything and eating lasagna with a spoon at 9am… maybe that last part is just me?
It can be hard to maintain normalcy when so much is uncertain. It doesn’t matter if you’re working from home, laid off or in the medical field and deep in the trenches, you are most likely feeling overwhelmed with a new normal. I realized the secret to feeling like myself during this time is still doing all my usual things, just adapting them to work for the current situation and home environment.
I still enjoy my morning tea, except now it’s in my favorite mug and not a portable thermos.
I can still do a daily work out, except now I do it from the comfort of my living room.
I can still have happy hour, except now it’s virtual and I can wear my coziest sweatpants.
I can still experience live music, except now I watch Keith Urban jam out in his warehouse on Instagram live. (Highly suggest this! Many musicians are doing it)
I had a lot of anxiety at the beginning of last week regarding how different life is going to be and I was completely unproductive. Everything feeling so out of control was overwhelming. However, everything going on is just that, out of my control. Once I fully accepted this fact and focused on what I could control, I had a totally different mindset about my day. I believe it is totally valid to have the feelings of uncertainty and allow yourself to process that, but avoid dwelling for too long. Focus more on what is within your control. What I can control is making the best of things, finding joy in the little moments and making my routine feel as normal as possible.
I am also using this time in quarantine to add things to my routine versus thinking about what is being taken away.
I haven’t been practicing guitar like I use to, so online lessons are in progress.
All the books I was too tired or distracted to read, I’ve read 3 of them so far.
The recipe I was putting of trying despite looking amazing, it was actually amazing.
We are so groomed as a society to negatively react to change, disruption and loss of control. What we can be re-programming ourselves during this time is to appreciate is the freedom that comes with it all. Yes, freedom and all it takes is a simple shift in perspective.
How are you adapting your routine? No judgement if it means dinner leftovers before 10am.
Collectively,
Karmen
