Keeping Your Mental Health a Priority When Routines Are Shattered
- Ranie Wahlmeier
- Jul 9, 2020
- 4 min read
If you’re like me and the disruption of a routine can cause a mental health spiral, you’re probably starting to struggle amidst this pandemic. A major change in a routine can heighten anxiety and worsen depression, eliminating productivity. Personally, I was totally useless that entire first week. My daily constants were gone and my mental health demons won for a few days.
It can be easy to lay on the couch binging Netflix or Disney+ during all of this, which is totally understandable for the short term. Everyone deserves a break to decompress and figure out their plan moving forward in this new territory. I have let my mental health ruin a lot of moments in my life, and while this pandemic can’t even remotely be considered “good,” I have pushed myself to get out of my funk and establish some kind of new normal so I can function.
Because this situation our world is facing looks like it will last for months, we need to be ready to implement some form of “normal” in order to continue making a living and staying sane. Over the last few weeks I’ve been trying out different routines and methods to find some kind of balance with social distancing and maintaining a routine that feels natural.
These are some ideas on how to establish a new routine in social isolation during COVID-19.
Keep Your Morning Routine The Same
… Or as close to normal as you can. Set your alarm, get dressed, make coffee, answer emails, do yoga, etc. It’s much easier to shift your perception of a regular routine if you try and keep the beginning as close to what you’re used to as you can. Continuing to get ready for your day will set the tone, and your mindset, for the rest of the day.
I’ve been experimenting with this over the last two weeks and have found my favorite way to start my day is with yoga practice followed by coffee. Yoga is something that energizes me mentally and coffee gives me an extra boost to start my day. Try a few different morning routines to find what works for you. You never know—you may find your new favorite morning ritual.
Spread Out Your Work
Instead of trying to knock out all of your work in one large chunk, try splitting it up into smaller segments. This will optimize your focus and productivity. Try working for an hour, then journal or complete a small chore, and repeat.
I focus best in the morning, so I plan my work day to begin with the bigger projects and tasks I have to accomplish that day. I rarely stay seated and at work for longer than an hour at a time. I’ll complete my first task or two, then refill my coffee and do dishes or journal. Then I head back to my desk and continue on with the next project. I like to split my time by practicing a new skill or watching an episode of a show. I’m currently working on learning how to crochet and speak French.
Incorporate Exercise
An infinite amount of studies show the benefits brought on by physical movement each day. Adding movement to your day is not only good for your physical health, but for your mental health as well. The endorphin rush can make you feel happy, and, in turn, boost your mood for the rest of your day!
I’ve been incorporating exercise into my morning routine. I chose a form of exercise that I really enjoy to help motivate me to do it in the morning. If the idea of physical activity terrifies you or makes you roll your eyes, do a little research. You can start by going for a walk around your neighborhood and build from that. There are so many different ways to move your body and tons of resources on YouTube for you to try out!
I currently love Yoga with Adriene. She has dozens of videos that focus on everything from beginning techniques to yoga for anxiety. You can find her channel here.
Self Care
There is an endless list of self care practices you can try throughout the duration of your social isolation. It is always important to take care of yourself and listen to what your body needs, especially during times of major change. Give yourself a little extra grace as you ease into this new world and check out some of the articles below for ideas on self care.
Find a flow that works for you. This is uncharted territory for many of us, and, if you’re like me, you need something to feel normal. Rather than worrying about when this pandemic will end, try making these adjustments to continue enjoying the now while keeping yourself and others safe and healthy.
Having your world turned upside down is scary, and even in the midst of social isolation, you’re not alone. We’re all in this together, and with a little cooperation and determination, we’ll come out on the other side a better world than before.
Have you already started working on building a new routine and finding peace in this chaotic time? Let me know in the comments what works for you!
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