We are living through an ever-changing time frame. Who knows what the situation will be as you read this article? The stress surrounding COVID-19 keeps adding up. Little things people would normally shrug off are causing tension and frustration. Many of us are feeling out of sorts, fed up, and stressed out.

A lot of this is due to the fact that we are sitting in a seat full of unknowns. When will my children be able to go back to school? Will I lose my job? Will my business survive the current state of affairs? Will we deplete our savings? Will our parents be OK? What about the economy? The list of “concerns” goes on and on.

By focusing our attention on things outside of our control, we can get inundated with worry, just waiting for the next big problem to hit. This in itself is very stressful. Stephen R. Covey explains this brilliantly in his book, The 7 Habits of Highly Successful People.

To relieve some of this stress, we need to shift our focus to things we can control. By being more “proactive,” we move out of our seat of concern and into our seat of “influence.” Great places to start are with our daily habits: The hours we will work, eating a healthy diet, getting plenty of rest, and exercising daily. We can also control how we treat others, our surroundings, and our personal growth. Having some control over these basics can help us start to feel more calm, relaxed, and centred, which will enable us to better handle anything that will inevitably come up.

Erin Wiley, MA, LPCC, a clinical psychotherapist, told Headline:

“Routine is even more important during times of distress or chaos. In order for our minds to function at maximum efficiency, we must have order and stability, and right now it’s harder than ever to have either. […] Simple habits that we may have previously done—making the bed, blow-drying our hair—are simple activities we can do to remind our brain that life is still going on despite the interruptions we are facing.”

My recent consulting sessions have included helping clients create realistic routines and schedules for themselves in the face of all this “new normal.” Our daily routines must include all the tasks required for each family member to survive, as well as activities to help them thrive and reduce stress, with room to adjust as needed.

Are You Ready to Start Bringing a Little More Normal Back Into Your Life?

No judgement here. For a while, even I was floating around. Being a person who thrives in a routine, I felt myself becoming increasingly stressed. That is when I sat down to create a schedule for myself and my family. I started with setting up a personal office space for myself, then got to work on a routine that would help me get my work done, have time for household duties, family fun, and self-care.

Here is a look at what has become my typical Monday-to-Friday lockdown schedule.

Note: This works best for my family, based on our current situation. Create your own schedule to meet your needs, and don’t be afraid to adjust it as needed. I certainly have. Also included are some “supporting wellness tips.”

Plugging things into a schedule helps us feel in control of our day, as we know what we need to do and what is coming next.

Creating a realistic schedule that includes work, projects, fun and self-care during these strange times—or anytime—will help put you back into your seat of “influence.” It will provide you with some “control” in your life, helping you feel more calm, relaxed, and resilient in the face of anything that comes your way.

Teach Yourself a New Skill

Try your hand at painting, learning a new computer program, or perhaps tackle some home improvements.

Try something you otherwise would never have time for. There are online segments for just about everything.

Spend Some Time Outdoors

Plan to spend some time outdoors! One benefit we have during this tough period is more time to spend outside. Exposure to sunlight is important for our health! Often referred to as the sunshine vitamin, vitamin D is made in the skin from exposure to sunlight.

Research has shown potential benefits against cancer, heart disease, autoimmune diseases, influenza, type 2 diabetes, and depression. One study found that people had higher serotonin levels on bright sunny days than on cloudy days—and higher levels of serotonin correlate with better mood. So, be sure to get outside!

Planning Meals and Mealtime

Plan out your meals for the week as well as your shopping list, so you have the necessary ingredients on hand. Scrambling to prepare meals at the last minute when already hungry causes unnecessary stress and poor food choices. Sit down as a family to decide on the meals and snacks for the upcoming week. Create the meal plan and grocery list, and then have everyone participate in preparing the food. You can assign specific responsibilities or all do it together. Have fun teaching this important life skill!

When it comes to breakfast and lunch, older children can manage on their own. But “Family Dinners” are essential for me. These family gatherings show amazing benefits; better self-esteem and academic performance, and lower risks of depression, developing eating disorders, and obesity.

Plan Some Alone Time

No matter who we are, we need time to refuel. Work it out so you can have some time alone to do whatever helps you rejuvenate.

A cup of herbal tea and a good book? A hot bath with lavender essential oil? A full episode of your favourite podcast? Whatever works for you!

Christina Della Rocca, Naturopath, FNLP, Mass.d.

A strategic wellness provider, offering natural solutions and a personalized approach to health and wellbeing for both individuals and organizations.

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