Tips for Building a Routine During Disruption

For more and more individuals, everyday life is drastically changing due to the pandemic outbreak, and it's happening with little or no notice. Some of us are cooped up at home with what feels like nothing to do. Others are working overtime in stressful environments. Many are finding ourselves somewhere in between.

Whatever your situation, a routine can help. Remember the sweet simplicity of having the whole day planned out for you in elementary school? Though “recess" as such may not find it onto your daily schedule, the priorities for adult routines aren't much different from those for children – and yes taking a break is one of them.

We've scoured the web and listened to just about all the podcasts (what? we've been home a lot!) to bring you the top six list of things to build into your new-normal routine.

1. Create a mission

Having spent 166 days in space, Canadian Chris Hadfield knows a thing of two about solitude. He recently posted a video titled “An Astronaut's Guide to Self Isolation," and among the takeaways is this: purpose. Maybe you'd like to take this opportunity to master a new skill, perhaps upping your investing knowledge or learning how to transform canned beans from mundane to mouth-watering. Maybe you'd like to finally tackle that home-improvement to-do list. And maybe you just want to get through this period. Whatever your mission, setting a big-picture goal for this time will inform your days and help guide you as you build your routine.

TIP: If you are part of a multi-person household, it's a good idea to set both individual and group goals.

2. Redefine your home

Is your living room your new movie theatre/gym/eatery/office/home school? It can be challenging to have so many new activities to do inside the home, be it lifting weights or teaching long division, and the challenge is multiplied by the number of people sharing space with you. (Does it feel like every room you step in has someone in it? We get that.) Look at your abode with fresh eyes and create a dedicated space for each of the activities you are prioritizing: A yoga mat laid in the corner of the bedroom can delineate a workout area. One end of the dining room table can offer a productive learning space. Right side of the sofa is his workspace, left side is his.

TIP: Be sure to consider ergonomics, especially for a longer activity, such as working from home. Search the web for advice on how to get set up correctly to avoid getting a sore neck, back, wrists, etc.

3. Step up your sleep score

Whether you're tracking it via a wearable device or the shade of the bags under your eyes, if you've been slacking on the quality of your sleep, now is the time to step up your game. The latest research shows adults need between seven and eight hours. That means if your commute is suddenly nil, don't stay up later, especially not to watch movies or fall down a social media rabbit hole (we see your scrolling).

TIP: Can't sleep? Some meditation apps, such as Calm, are offering free sessions to help ease the mind, and some gyms are also doing group meditation sessions online.

4. Get informed in doses

It's easy to feel anxious following ongoing updates. In a recent statement about mental well-being during the covid-19 outbreak, World Health Organization (WHO) recommended keeping news to a minimum. At the same time, of course, we all need to know what's going on. So the WHO suggests people seek information at regular intervals, once or twice daily, from reliable sources.

TIP: Turn off news and market update push notifications on your phone or, if you have the self-control, only look at them every couple of hours.

5. Move your body

With many fitness facilities facing shut-downs, your workout routine may be taking a hit. And if you haven't stepped foot in a gym in years (guilty!), with more and more closures, things like the daily sprint to catch the train (also guilty) are just not relevant right now. Informal activities like pick-up basketball games are also off the table, as social-distancing quickly becomes the new standard nation-wide. Fight stagnation with physical activity you can do at home, like yoga, or do a spin around your neighbourhood – be it a bike, stroll or jog, the fresh air will do you good, too.

TIP: Some gyms and fitness instructors are now offering online classes. Check their social media pages for listings.

6. Eat well and stay connected

Maybe you didn't get everything on your list on your most recent grocery order. Maybe you're accustomed to take-out and sit-down dinners. Whatever the case, don't defer to instant noodles. Recipes dubbed “easy" are flooding the blogosphere and social feeds right now, and a quick search will likely turn up an apt substitute for a missing ingredient (or two, or three). And don't be shy to hit up your foodie friend or host with the most for ideas – think of it as an opportunity to connect. (For other ways to recreate the social aspect of your life that's taken a hit, from a virtual glass of vino with pals to a synced-up movie night, check out 4 Creative Ways to Stay Close from a Distance.)

TIP: Don't recreate your bad pre-pandemic habits (think: that a midday trip to the office vending machine).