An update from Claire: 5 keys to find routine and rhythm while we #stayathome
2020 has caught our attention. It certainly hasn’t been a year of “same old”. None of us have been immune to the ripple effects of the unfolding of the Covid-19 pandemic. It has affected all of us in different ways – some they have been dealing with the increased intensity and pressure on the medical frontline, whereas for others it has created a sudden and confronting void with loss of jobs and businesses. Our students (even the six year olds) have adapted to lessons by Zoom, while educators have worked tirelessly to reinvent education delivery through online formats. Households have connected like never before, and we’ve quickly adapted our lifestyles within the social distancing restrictions, seeing things like the re-emergence of family bike rides and bush walks.
While the slower pace of life has been a breath of fresh air in some ways, the significant loss of our ‘normal’ lives can be very confronting and cause grief. It can be hard to locate our sense of purpose and feel productive in the midst of all the flux and change.
I was speaking recently to a friend of mine, Dr Rebecca Loundar, who is a clinical psychologist and she mentioned two keys which have really helped me in this season: Routine and rhythm.
Almost everyone has had their normal routine and rhythm of life interrupted. Creating new patterns can help us maintain a sense of wellbeing. So how do we practically do this? Here are a couple of things that have been helping me create the new “R&R” – Routine and rhythm:
5 Keys to Help Find Routine and Rhythm:
1. Establish a designated ‘work space’. One of the challenges of working from home means that the lines get blurred between our work space, our rest space, our recreation space and our home life space. This can mean it can feel hard to ‘switch off’ (or even ‘switch on’) if the spaces are all the same. Even if it is a corner of a table or room, set it up as your ‘work space’ (even if you need to pack it down at the end of each work day).
2. Get ready for work each day. I certainly prefer the comfort of exercise clothes over work clothes. So for the first few weeks of this new life I would stay in comfortable clothes throughout the whole day. However I’ve recently started getting dressed for work each day, including putting on makeup. It has made an amazing difference to my focus and sense of productivity feeling like I am “going to work”. At the end of my “work day” I then get changed, leave my designated “work space” and click into recreation mode. It also helps those you’re living with know when you are in work mode, and when you are in home mode!
3. Incorporate activities that fill your tank. Covid-19 has affected us all in different ways. Even though many of us have been fortunate enough to avoid contracting the virus, the disruptions to our daily lives has been significant. From increased stress and anxiety through to grief over the loss of jobs, businesses, and the associated loss of losing a sense of meaningful contribution, can drain your heart tank. Making sure we incorporate things that can replenish our soul in this time goes a long way – whether it be playing a musical instrument, gardening, cooking, bushwalks or whatever creative things recharge your batteries. I’ve enjoyed more time playing the piano and learning to cook.
4. Have a to-do list and tick things off. This helps with creating structure and focus in your day. So that I feel like I’m off to a productive start I even put things like ‘get dressed for work’ and ‘eat breakfast’ on my list and tick them off. Wellbeing can be boosted through a sense of achievement as well as pleasure – so having both of these things in our routine can assist.
5. Stay connected to people. We are created for connection with others. Social distancing has been very difficult for some. As an extrovert, I am often recharged by being around people. This doesn’t happen by default in the social distancing environment, so making meaningful connections part of my daily routine and diary has been helping. Being intentional in calling friends, colleagues, neighbours and family members can assist us in maintaining relational connection even amidst physical distancing. Remember that by initiating a phone or video call, you could really brighten someone else’s day who may be feeling isolated or lonely.
I am sure there are so many other things that can help us. Just wanted to share a few things that have assisted me finding my routine and rhythm in this climate of change. And in all this, remember to hold on to hope, find joy in each day, keep perspective that this is only a season and it too shall pass.
Cheering you on,
Claire