It’s finally here. We are phasing into a new normal, getting back to life after weeks of lockdown. Non-essential businesses are beginning to open, people are starting to go back to work, and we are getting on with life. The corona virus has been an unbelievable experience for everyone, globally, and really changed my perspective on a lot of aspects of life. It was hard to get used to staying home- not going out on a whim, planning our shopping trips to get as much as possible to limit return trips, convincing Sassy to play in the back yard instead of the playground.
Whether you were able to work remotely, or still had to go in, or sat on the phone with unemployment for long hours of the day, our lives are just going to keep changing. Unfortunately we can’t just flip a switch and go back to the way things were. It’s hard to get back into the swing of things after a big life event. Whether it’s the global pandemic, or even something like a birth (or death) in the family, coming home from vacation, or returning from being furloughed, you need time to adjust.
So here we are… digging out the old routine and diving into a new normal. Are you ready? I’ve thought of some tips to help us transition back into the old routine of things. Let me know if there’s anything else we should be doing to get back on track.
Decide what changes will stay during the New Normal
We’re all anxious to get back to life pre-covid 19, but there are a lot of good lifestyle changes that came from sheltering in place and staying home. Maybe you’ve added an evening bike ride, or started a garden. Some people made snack bins for the bottomless pit kids, or schedules to limit screen time. A lot of people picked up hobbies that would be a shame to abondon when we open up the restrictions. Not everything needs to be a then and now, so decide what will be staying.
Struggling with screentime? Here’s some of my tips for overcoming phone addiction. Read the post, here.
Pick up one old habit at a time
Don’t rush back into the old life as soon as the gates are lifted. Ease back into societal expectations. After weeks of going without makeup, wearing loungewear (like joggers, check out my quarantine jogger purchases here), you may want to pick up your morning routine for a few days before pulling out the workwear. Start mimicking your routine as close as possible, set your alarm to begin waking when you will ned to for work, and eat when you would eat at class or on the job. Don’t wait and try to jump back into the old routine or you will be very overwhelmed.
This also means add one recreational activity at a time. Even though we want to jump right back in and go to the beach, and the playground, and the movie theaters, we need to space them out. Don’t rush each establishment as they open. Choose what you missed most, and give it a few days to acclimate into their new normal. (I know I am itching to get back to the gym. Even with our home gym, read about that here, I am craving my membership.)
Reset your sleep cycle
Give yourself time to get back into the necessary sleep cycle you need for work or school. Even if there are 100 things to do at night, they can wait. We are not nocturnal, so sleep cannot. Set alarms if you need to, and force yourself to get into bed with plenty of time to spare. If you have an Apple Watch, take advantage of the sleep tracking features of the Pillow app. The iPhone can also set reminders based on your sleep needs.
Read More: Why I Love my Apple Watch
You may require some assistance, especially if you’ve been struggling to sleep from the anxiety of it all. I enjoy this Sleep flavored water, or a melatonin supplement when it’s getting rough. Sassy takes a gummy on nights when she wasn’t able to get out all her energy cooped up inside.
If You’re Not Meal Prepping Yet- Do It!
The benefits of meal prepping are never ending. It saves time and money, and sends us out on less trips to the grocery store. Hopefully during the past few weeks you’ve been planning out your meals to help the shopping trips last, and make the most out of whatever you could find on the bare shelves. Hopefully the distribution centers are able to restock the stores consistently moving forward, but either way we need to be on top of it and have a plan in mind. Especially if you’re going back to work, you’ll need to be ready to pack a lunch instead of just ordering takeout or hitting the drive thru.
By the way, I have a free meal prep planner and grocery list freebie to help you get it under control. This is the exact planner I use, and it saves so much time and effort. Click here to get it.
Be Prepared for a Second Wave
The unfortunate reality is that there is a very good chance that non-essential businesses may be closed again. Some countries have had their numbers increase after their initial plateau, once restrictions were lifted. Be prepared. Keep being mindful of people’s personal bubbles, maintain social distancing and proper hand washing, and don’t go to work if you are feeling any of the symptoms. Mentally preparing for the second wave will help prevent the anxiety that hit so many of us during the first wave. It might happen, but we will be ready.
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Just for Giggles, Some things I hope stay the during the New Normal:
- Personal Bubbles. I love how I can talk to people without them basically standing on me.
- Cashiers cleaning the car reader. Can they keep doing that, because in hindsight it’s gross that it wasn’t.
- Masks. Cold and flu season will be back before we know it, and I hope that people wear masks when they are feeling under the weather.
- Proper hand washing. This goes without saying, people were actually going hours without washing their hands, or running them under the water and skipping out. Let’s hope people actually wash their hands now.
- Creative hobbies. The craft shelves are empty everywhere, and that’s awesome. Keep being creative, whether you’re tie dying or embroidering or painting rocks. It’s awesome.
In Case You Missed It
A few weeks back I wrote about how important it is to stay grounded during the quarantine. These tips are helpful during any big life event, so be sure to check that post out as well.
How To Stay Grounded While Social Distancing
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If you have any other tips, please don’t hesitate to let me know down below!
