Needless to say, it has been a year. Adjusting to school from home, isolation, and COVID-19 has taken practice, and it’s still an ongoing challenge. For me, I’ve found that routines, and a little spice, have been essential in maintaining my mental health and wellness. In the last few months, I’ve discovered some key daily routines to stay sane during these crazy times.
7:30 am – My first class is at 9 am (yes, it’s a struggle and yes, I played myself), so my alarm goes off at 7:30. I give myself a good window of time before class to lounge in bed for a bit, make my coffee, and eat some breakfast. I always make my bed when I get up. Making my bed allows me to accomplish something first thing in the morning. And, let’s face it, I’m living in my parents’ house, and my bedroom and workspace are one and the same. I don’t need my professors seeing my unmade bed in my Zoom background. Another essential: making good coffee literally makes my day. I highly recommend Chobani’s caramel coffee creamer as an easy add-in.
2:30 pm – I work evenings so this is around when I start transitioning from schoolwork to “work-work.” Cleaning up my workspace and other little chores make my life so much more relaxing when I get home. I also make a to-do list for school the next day. Actually going to work has made such a difference in my life during isolation. It breaks up my day and gets me out of the house and actually interacting with people. If I’m not working one night, I usually find another way to get out of the house, whether that’s going to my boyfriend’s house (who’s in my COVID pod), going for a walk, or doing something to move my body – although that’s been yoga on my living room floor as of recently since temperatures are dropping quickly.
11 pm – Home and time for bed. Eat dinner! Feed the brain, remember? An episode (or five) of something funny on Netflix is how I love to unwind. Currently, I’ve been loving New Girl.
So, the real essentials?
- Find the good in the little things (AKA good coffee in the mornings).
- Establish a routine (I try to only do work during the “workday” and I plan so I have all my work done before the weekend. Personally, I’ll take busy weekdays so I can have a relaxing weekend.
- Eat! I’m not kidding. Your day will be transformed if you feed your brain well.
It takes a lot of love and care for yourself and for your loved ones during these unprecedented times. Remember, whatever your day looks like, allow grace and kindness for yourself and those around you. It will make a world’s difference.