We all fell into this quarantine thing together, and we have been making up the rules as we go along. But humans are created to crave stability. And the things we did for the first few weeks in crisis mode have now become the new normal.
If you feel like you spend most of your days reacting to situations that arise, instead of feeling like you are in the driver’s seat of your own life, perhaps it is time to start instituting some routines to give structure to your new reality.
Do you have a set bedtime? A set time to get out of bed in the morning? When do you change from your pajama yoga pants into your daytime yoga pants? What is it that you do to subtly put yourself in a frame of mind to face the day?
Creating small routines can really help to frame your day, especially since we are not changing location between work and home, ‘on’ and ‘off’ these days. Here are some small ideas of ways to help you feel more in control of your world:
- make your bed. It’s a small gesture that tells you that you are worth the energy. And getting into bed at night will will like more of a moment, not just a chain reaction unfolding from the rumpled covers of the last night
- meal plan. Set up a card or white board on the fridge, and decide what is for dinner for the week. It will help you plan out the grocery list, and also cut down on the trips out to the store for things you forgot or ran out of. And then, the dreaded “what’s for dinner” question loses it’s power.
- Do something each day at the start of your work/school/productive time, and then something else at the end of this part of your day. It may begin with a cup of coffee next to the laptop, and end with a walk in the evening. But set a habit of life that gives you a cue when the day is shifting into a new stage.
- Set a daily goal. Maybe it is to write one letter to a family member per day, or to call one friend. Give yourself something to look forward to or accomplish each day.
What are some other ways you have found to give your day a framework during this strange time? Share with the group! You never know when you will help someone! 
JoyPlusGrace 