Before we all knew it everyone was trapped inside their houses with no warning, no explanation, and no preparation. As soon as the stay at home order was put into place, people went crazy, especially college students who suddenly had to pack their bags and head home without saying goodbye. Many people have said that quarantine has been really difficult for them; it can be very stressful being pulled out of your normal routine and thrown into something that is brand new. I have found that the best way to manage this stress of being quarantined at home is simply by keeping up with a daily routine.
Everyone manages stress and anxiety in different ways but I have found that having a routine often works for everyone. If you are anything like me, you need to be busy often or you get bored and begin to feel very unproductive. Throughout quarantine, I have kept myself super busy by creating a routine that helps me relax, while also staying productive.
Set alarms each day. Setting alarms has helped me get out of bed and begin my day at a reasonable hour. Waking up around the same time each day is good for your body and your mental health. Find a time that works for you, and stick to that time. For me, Saturdays and Sundays are the days that I do not set alarms so I can relax and catch up on sleep. Morning routines are an essential part of feeling good for the rest of the day.
Eat breakfast. Everyone knows breakfast is one of the most important meals of the day. Breakfast can be different for everyone; some people enjoy big breakfasts, but I personally would rather have something small like a smoothie or some fruit and coffee. Whatever works for you is totally fine. A lot of times, during school and daily life, breakfast is out of the question because college students do not have time to eat, with so much going on. Breakfast is something that should be in everyone’s routine, especially during quarantine, because it gives you the energy you need to feel good throughout the entire day.
The rest is up to you. After waking up and eating breakfast, anything goes. Figure out what you need to do, whether it is working out, getting school work done, or just taking a mental health/relaxation day.
Having a routine does not mean doing activities the entire day. I personally like getting my school work and exercise done at the beginning of the day so I can feel relieved early on, but some people might find that doing work and exercise later in the day works better for them. With all of that being said, take some time to yourself to relax and ease your mind. Everyone’s routine will be different, the most important part is that you feel good and you are staying happy and healthy during this stressful time.