This quarantine period has uprooted all our lives. We’ve lost our sense of order. Nothing is predictable. Time has blurred into illusion as our days under indefinite confinement pass. Not to mention, the 24-hour news cycle is making everyone feel angry, depressed, stressed, fearful, and anxious. You might even be feeling a form of grief.
But, hey, you’re not alone. Your feelings are valid and, for the most part, manageable.
The remedy? Creating a quarantine routine.
Routines restore our sense of control. While we can’t control what happens outside our doors, we can control how we react and spend our time. We need structure now, more than ever. So that, at least, we can be mentally and physically equipped for whatever new unpredictable information comes at us each passing day.
There’s no right or wrong way to set up a quarantine routine. Do what works for you. Of course, follow CDC and WHO-approved protocols for protection and prevention from COVID-19 and social distancing. If you need tips, though, here’s a little guide.
Make your bed before your coffee
Take pride in checking off your first task in the morning. It’s little things like this that make you feel accomplished and ready to face the day. Plus, it adds a little order to your space.
Movement or meditation
One of the best times to exercise is in the morning. A little physical activity boosts your energy and mood. Not feeling cardio? There are guided yoga classes on Zoom now. Or simply meditate. The point is to clear your mind. Starting off the day by reducing your stress can make a huge difference.
Keep a journal
Pick up on the #bulletjournal trend. Or turn those blank 2020 planner pages into spaces for your quarantine journal entries. Write or draw what happened on that day. How are you feeling? What did you get done? What was on the news, and how did you react? Who did you talk to? Any quotes you want to remember? What was different or the same?
Most importantly: What made you smile, despite the circumstances? What can you be grateful for?
Spend time on your hobbies and skills
Dust off those art materials. Join an online workshop to unleash your creative side. Bake off the anxiety. That pile of novels that just kept on growing? Now’s the time to curl up and read. Maybe turn your quarantine thoughts into an essay or a book?
Lend a helping hand
See posts calling for donations and relief goods? Share it on your platforms to help them reach more people. If you have the time, energy, and resources for the day, help out from home. Join efforts to support frontliners or families in need. Or find ways to use your talents to provide support to the general public.
Declutter
Putting off your spring cleaning or Konmari project? Now’s the time. And it’s best done in the evening when you need some calming down at the end of the day. Clear up your space tonight so you have a clean slate for tomorrow morning.
Social distancing doesn’t mean social isolation
Routinely check up on your friends, introverts and extroverts alike. Host parties on Zoom or Google Hangouts. Watch your local DJ’s livestream. Do Netflix marathons with friends. Particularly, call up your elderly loved ones. According to the WHO, those more vulnerable to COVID-19 are feeling heightened levels of COVID-19-related anxiety. They’ll appreciate the chat, and might learn a thing or two about their phones.
Set a nighttime alarm to get off social media
There’s a fine line between being informed and being overwhelmed. And people don’t say or hear this enough. Like it or not, you will be exposed to the news or someone’s opinion. But do not push yourself to engage further if you are on the verge of breaking. You know your own boundaries, so set them appropriately.
It’s valid to be angry and also anxious. It’s okay to not be okay. And it’s okay to disengage if it means taking care of your mental well-being.
A good way is to log off at least an hour before bed so you can get enough rest. For example, I have a strict no more social media policy after 10:30pm. Yep, whether or not those press cons happen on time (I can always check highlights in the morning, and react when I’m in the right headspace).
Sleep Hygiene 101: Sleep and wake up at the same time
You owe yourself the kindness of a pre-bedtime routine. That is, ideally, staying away from gadgets or blue light at least 30 minutes to one hour before sleeping. Take a good, thorough shower. Wash off the stress and unease of the day. Curl up in bed and check up on yourself. Get a good night’s rest so you can take on tomorrow, whatever it may bring.
Today was another day. You were given time and resources. Tomorrow is another chance to do something new. To show compassion. Truly, in this moment, it is the best of times and it is the worst of times. It may all seem Dickensian now, but this is all temporary.
Trust in your human connections. Stay safe. Stay home, as much as possible. Stay true to a routine that works for you. Hold on to hope. And take care.
