The strange newness of life under pandemic likely threw your daily routines off in the beginning. While working from home may have brought some structure to your day, it was still different than having to get dressed and go to the office. If your kids were also home, trying to get them to see the importance of a routine was probably a challenge. And, if you were laid off and didn’t have kids at home, keeping a routine may have seemed pointless.

No matter where you are now, though, a daily routine is immensely helpful while living under COVID-19.

Even if your routine isn’t perfect, you’ll find it helpful.

The Importance of Routine During COVID-19

Curtails Distractions

Creating a routine can aid healthy eating habits and discourage grazing and snacking. Setting specific times for meals, portioning out snacks, and planning breaks helps you turn your back on the siren song of the candy stash.

Likewise, routines can help prevent you from wasting hours on TV or social media. Many people limit themselves to recreational screen time only in the evenings, for example. This has the added bonus of helping you limit the amount of negative news coverage you take in about the pandemic and other events. While it’s important to stay updated, too much immersion in the news can make you feel worse.

Creates a Sense of Normalcy

With so many things decidedly different than they were a year ago, it is essential to ward off anxiety with a routine. This is a surefire way to maintain some normalcy regardless of the circumstances. While you may not be able to do everything you did before the pandemic, there are still so many things you can include in a healthy, daily routine. Even if they’re things you don’t enjoy, putting them on the schedule is important! Your days will run smoother and you’ll feel better overall if there’s a rhythm and focus to your time.

Helps Ward Off Depression

The daily act of getting out of your pajamas, showering, and grooming is an important signal to your brain that it’s time to do something. After all, the times when you don’t do this are usually weekends, holidays, and sick days. We really do become conditioned by our habits. When you consciously choose to maintain a schedule, you’re helping prevent the aimlessness that can cause depression.

Along this same line, maintaining a routine helps you feel productive and like you’re doing your best, even under trying circumstances. This will do wonders for you.

The Importance of Routine: How to Set New Habits

You can start by making a list of what your routine was like before the pandemic started. It may have included work hours, driving kids to school, exercising, meals, community involvement, and the like. Next, consider what your routine has been like since the pandemic began. If any semblance of a routine has crumbled, that’s ok.

Look at what your responsibilities are now and work from there. Everyone needs to bathe, eat, and do household chores. Social connection is also a daily necessity, even if it’s as simple as a series of text messages. Exercise, long walks, at-home workouts, and the like will give you more energy and boost your immune system. Also, keeping your bedtime and wake time consistent is essential for good sleep and alertness during the day.

Once you’ve established a basic order for your day (and your kids’ days, if necessary), try it out for a week. See how it goes. If you feel like you have gaps in your time, consider adding something fun. Choose some books to read, hobbies to try, or organize your house. Spend more time reaching out to family members and friends.

***
If you’re still struggling with the strange world of life under COVID-19, please know that therapy is an important available step. To help you determine the importance of routine in your home read more about anxiety treatment and reach out for a consultation soon.