We’re about one week into the COVID-19 social distancing regimen, and as the days have moseyed by, I’ve compiled a mental list of daily “best practices” that have helped me stay sane so far.
Some or all of these may not work for you. If that’s the case, you do you, boo! I’d be interested to hear what is—or is not—working for you.
Here we go:
My Daily Routine for Staying Sane
Make my bed every morning, as soon as I wake up.
Even though I’m not impressing anyone, starting the day with this ritual reminds me, in a very kinesthetic way, that I have control over my surroundings and my actions. I may not know when I can go back to work, but I CAN make my surroundings clean and clutter-free, and that’s something.
Read first, scroll later.
Understandably, we all want/need to know the latest news: the outbreak’s effect on the economy, the updated global death count, the number of confirmed cases in our respective cities. Yet I maintain that I really don’t need to know all these things as soon as I wake up. Aside from the thoroughly studied effects of the “morning scroll” on the brain, beginning my day by passively absorbing all these statistics sets me up with a pretty passive, hopeless mindset.
I am not saying that you should ignore the news, or that you should pretend like everything is okay. I suggest setting aside a specific period of time each day—and not first thing in the morning—to check all your trusted news outlets. I have personally been beginning each day with a little reading, which has left me feeling calm, inspired, and in control of my surroundings.
Some quarantine reading (quarantreading?) recommendations: The Art of Possibility by Rosamund & Benjamin Zander (which I’m currently reading in preparation for Jen Waldman’s monthly book discussion group); Dare to Lead by Brené Brown; The Infinite Game by Simon Sinek; Permission to Screw Up by Kristen Hadeed; and many, many others that I’d be happy to recommend, if you shoot me an email!Move that body!
How easy it would be, to watch Netflix or play Switch or boredom-eat all day. And just to be clear, I have done plenty of all those things this past week. But my boyfriend and I also decided to start a half-marathon training schedule last week, and it was one of the best pandemic decisions we could have made. In addition to the obvious benefits of staying in shape and getting that endorphin rush from exercising regularly, it’s also helped John and I stay connected by participating in a common goal, even from a distance. And you don’t need a gym to go running!
Shower.
It’s kind of funny that we even have to talk about this, but it’s a legitimate point when there’s a literal government mandate to stay home. Even if I have no plans to leave the house or see anyone, it still feels nice to shower and get dressed…just for fun.
A little music each day.
I’ll be the first to admit that it’s been hard to stay motivated this past week. Overwhelming apathy and hopelessness seem to always be just around the corner. I’ve found that sitting down at the piano for a little bit each day—20 to 30 minutes—has done an amazing job of keeping that apathy at bay.
As a singer, piano is definitely not my primary instrument. But I’ve found that by trying something with relatively low stakes—like plunking through an old piece from my high school piano lessons, just for fun—sort of eases me into the desire to work on my craft as a singer. And if it doesn’t, that’s okay too! The simple act of making music, no matter the quality or the “point,” shines a light on the grimmer days.Wine.
Let me be clear, I am NOT endorsing substance abuse in order to cope with social isolation. This can be a very slippery slope, so please, know thyself and take care of thyself.
That said, the nightly ritual of sharing a glass of wine with my mom (my quarantine buddy) has become a highlight that I look forward to daily. For one thing, it’s good wine, not “drink-to-get-drunk” wine. And, like making my bed or playing piano, it’s another daily ritual that feels grounding in the midst of a very uncertain time.Bi-weekly brunch dates with Bae.
We know this to be true: long distance sucks. Especially when there is no end in sight. To cope with this as best we can, John and I have taken to setting up brunch dates a couple times a week, in addition to all our regular texting and calling. There’s something about the designated time and the ritual of preparing a meal (my meal is usually cereal and coffee; John’s is invariably more decadent) that gives the date a sort of sacred quality. It also reminds each of us that we are a priority in each other’s lives, even if we can’t be physically together.
What have you been doing to stay sane during the outbreak? What makes up your daily routine?