If You’re Struggling to Maintain a Routine Right Now, You’re Not Alone

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At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, I established a new daily routine as life began to settle into a new normal. As someone who thrives on consistency, I found my previous routine in disarray, leading to a sense of chaos. To regain control, I embraced a structured schedule. My mornings started with workouts, I settled into my designated work chair, and I woke my children up at the same time to ensure they were ready for online classes. Weekly grocery trips were planned, I baked every Friday, and kept a cleaning schedule. Regular catch-up calls with friends and takeout meals with the kids provided a much-needed escape from the house.

This routine became my anchor during a time when so much felt uncertain. It offered a semblance of normalcy and helped me navigate through overwhelming days. When anxiety crept in, the few consistent elements in my life kept me grounded and prevented me from spiraling into overthinking.

Many friends and family members shared similar experiences. Their once vibrant lives had shrunk to smaller, more manageable routines. By focusing on these daily structures, they found comfort amidst the chaos. However, we often found ourselves resisting this new reality, pushing against the natural inclination to slow down while simultaneously working harder than ever.

There were no breaks between online schooling, remote work, managing our patience, and tackling household chores, even when the simplest tasks felt monumental. Despite being exhausted, I told myself that with fewer options and no need to leave home, I should feel more refreshed. Just stick to the routine, I thought. Yet, we all know how detrimental that mindset can be.

Now that vaccinations are widespread, venues are reopening, concerts are back, and travel is safer, I find it even more challenging to stick to any routine. My focus is fleeting, and my motivation has dwindled compared to pre-pandemic times. I was eager to return to the activities I cherished, yet it feels harder than ever to engage in them.

I’m not alone in this struggle. A friend recently expressed her difficulty in maintaining a work routine, feeling as if she was slipping through the cracks and questioning her drive. Another friend returned to her long-missed exercise class but found herself canceling, despite her excitement to rejoin. “I was so looking forward to this, but I just can’t get back into it,” she confided. I relate to her feelings completely.

I reached out to a few readers, and their sentiments echoed mine. For example, Michael shared, “I’ve been on vacation for four weeks this summer and have more planned, but I can’t concentrate and know I’ll feel the effects soon.” Similarly, Lisa admitted she misses her pandemic routines and is struggling to stay on track. Emily echoed, “I feel so scattered lately.”

According to Psychology Today, while some thrive in change, many of us form strong attachments to our routines and the environments we inhabit. The pandemic routines became familiar anchors, and now, as we transition back to a more open world, it’s natural to feel out of sorts. Abrupt changes can disrupt our emotional and psychological stability, leaving us feeling insecure.

If you’re finding it tough to adjust back to a routine, rest assured that you’re not alone. Many of us are navigating this transition and searching for what feels right again. Personally, I’m taking things one day at a time, focusing on essential tasks while allowing myself flexibility. Just like during the pandemic, we will carve out another new normal and adjust.

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In summary, many individuals are grappling with the challenge of re-establishing routines in a world that has changed significantly. It’s a shared experience, and taking small steps towards normalcy can help ease the transition.