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

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Not long after the onset of Covid-19, I crafted a new daily routine as life began to settle into a new normal. Being someone who thrives on structure, I quickly realized that my usual rhythm had been disrupted, leaving me feeling lost and out of control.

I held tightly to my morning workouts, made sure to sit in the same spot at my desk, and woke my kids at the same time to help them log into online classes. My weekly grocery shopping was a steadfast appointment, and I reserved Fridays for baking. I created a cleaning schedule, scheduled regular calls with friends, and treated my kids to takeout a few times a week just to get out of the house.

Amidst all the chaos, these small anchors provided a sense of stability in a time when much felt uncertain. I convinced myself that as long as I kept moving forward, we would find a way to navigate through this. Whenever I started to feel overwhelmed, these few consistent elements in my life helped prevent me from spiraling into anxiety and overthinking.

Talking with friends and family revealed that many were in the same boat. Their lives had shifted from being vibrant and full of activity to feeling limited and mundane. To combat feelings of being overwhelmed by the negativity around us, they leaned into the routines they established during those difficult times.

However, many of us found ourselves battling against what felt natural. While our instincts told us to slow down, we pushed ourselves harder than ever. There were no breaks—just a continuous cycle of online learning, working from home, managing frustrations, and attempting to keep up with household chores, which felt monumental even when they were small tasks.

Ironically, even though life seemed simpler with fewer options, I found myself feeling more exhausted and drained. I repeatedly told myself that I should be more rested since I wasn’t constantly leaving the house. Just stick to the routine!

Now, as places open back up and life resumes some semblance of normalcy with vaccinations, I find it even more challenging to maintain any sort of routine. My focus drifts easily, and my motivation has dwindled significantly. I was eager to reconnect with the things I once enjoyed, but those activities now feel more daunting than ever.

I’m not alone in this struggle. A friend recently shared her difficulty in committing to work each day, feeling like she was slipping through the cracks and losing her spark. “My outlets are back, and yet I don’t want to do anything,” she lamented. Another friend had been eagerly awaiting the return of her exercise classes but found herself canceling sessions after the long break. “I was so excited for this, but I’m just not feeling it at all,” she admitted, and I could completely relate.

We reached out to some readers for their thoughts, and many echoed similar sentiments. John expressed, “I’ve taken four weeks of vacation this summer, and while I know my business will suffer, I just can’t stay focused.” Kathy mentioned, “I’m having trouble sticking to a routine and really miss my pandemic routines.” Allison added, “I feel so scattered lately.”

According to Psychology Today, while some people thrive during times of change, most of us become attached to our routines and environments. This attachment can make adjusting back to a new reality challenging. When our familiar reference points change, it can disrupt our emotional and psychological well-being, leaving us feeling lost and insecure.

If you’re grappling with returning to a routine, know that you’re in good company. Many of us are trying to find the right balance and navigate these changes. Personally, I’m taking things one day at a time, focusing on what I absolutely need to accomplish first, then allowing myself to relax and decide what else to tackle without stressing about what I can’t get done today, tomorrow, or even this week. Just like we adapted during Covid, we will find another new normal and adjust once more.

For more insights on this topic, check out this blog post. If you’re considering home insemination, Make a Mom offers valuable resources. Additionally, American Pregnancy provides excellent information on pregnancy and donor insemination.

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In summary, many of us are grappling with the challenges of re-establishing routines in a post-pandemic world. While it can feel overwhelming, remember that you’re not alone in this struggle. Take things day by day and focus on what truly matters to you.

Keyphrase: Struggling with Routine Post-Pandemic
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