Let’s face it, quarantine sucks!
We’re doing our best to make the situation as pleasant and productive as possible, but the situation as a whole is not at all a pleasurable one. Many of us have had to face challenges that we never dreamt we’d ever have to face, whether it be working from home involuntarily, not being able to spend time with our loved ones, and sadly for some, completely losing our jobs.
I think the most important thing that many people have failed to acknowledge is the importance of establishing and maintaining a routine during this time. Especially a specific quarantine morning routine.
Lately I’ve come across quite the interesting take on how we “should” be using this time. It reads something like “if you don’t acquire a new skill, a new side hustle, or more knowledge, you never lacked time, you lacked discipline.” However, there is a counter argument that I’ve also seen that reminds us that we are experiencing a “collective traumatic experience” and that not all of us have the “privilege of turning a pandemic into something fun or productive”.
All of the above possesses some modicum of truth, but I think the most important thing that many people have failed to acknowledge is the importance of establishing and maintaining a routine during this time. Sure, we’re stuck in the house, but that doesn’t have to mean that we stay in bed on social media all day or slack on personal hygiene. Even the slightest bit of a routine can bring some semblance of normalcy back to our every day lives.
For me, making my bed every morning and getting dressed for work even if I don’t have meetings scheduled is a huge part of keeping my sanity in tact.
Optimize Your Routine, Simply
- Do things that are manageable
- Make yourself breakfast
- Go For A Run
- Meditate when the news gets overwhelming
Now, I’ll be honest, I’m speaking from my post of privilege as a black woman abroad who has the luxury of living alone and a career that has allowed me to work 100% remotely. However, even though I am still required to “report” to work at a specific time five days a week, I’ve realized how important the small things from my normal routine are to quarantine routine. For me, making my bed every morning and getting dressed for work even if I don’t have meetings scheduled is a huge part of keeping my sanity in tact.
But in addition to that, I’ve reacquired my love for cooking and make it a point to cook breakfast each morning. And each evening, like clockwork, even if I’m dog-tired, I pull out my yoga mat and sweat out the frustrations of the day because it makes me feel good; and I’ll also be damned if Corona catches me slipping this summer or whenever we’re able to take advantage of bikini season again.
Maybe my morning routine doesn’t fit you at all; it’s not meant to be a one-size fits all. But what’s important is that you find a routine that suits you, your lifestyle, and your goals. For some of us, it’s fitness; for others it may be art, but what’s important is that you do it for you!
Dr. Bianca, Performance Tempel Member, contributed this post. Want to submit a post to be featured? Email guts@performancetempel.com