For months now, we have been enjoying the safety of our own home during the general community quarantine. Though it’s necessary to avoid the Covid-19,, the quarantine can make it difficult to adjust to our day-to-day lives.
However, life does not stop because of COVID-19. Many of us still have to work from home or attend online classes. Simultaneously, for people who are used to going to the office or school as part of their everyday routine, being stuck indoors may be hard to put them in the right work mindset.
If you are experiencing such a problem during this general community quarantine, here is a simple guide on establishing a daily routine during this “new normal.”
Why Maintain a Routine During the General Community Quarantine
Many people think that just because you are in the comfort of your home that a fixed daily routine is not needed. It is actually the complete opposite. Creating a routine you follow do wonders on your productivity and state of mind, especially during these times. Here are some of the reasons why you should maintain a routine during this general community quarantine.
It gives your days structure and a sense of purpose.
The places that we go to play a huge role in our normal day-to-day routine. Before the pandemic, the time and place where you need to be at dictates the tasks you accomplish every day. However, during the general community quarantine, you are stuck in one place for the whole day. In the process, you lose the structure your day is supposed to have.
By creating a routine, you are creating a new structure on how you work. You can set a time where you need to accomplish certain goals or assign specific tasks to different areas of your home. It will give you a sense of urgency to achieve your objectives as you would normally in the past.
It practices your discipline.
Again, your environment affects your productivity. When you’re in the office, you are keener to get things done. Because you are not pressured by time, it is easy to get distracted from the task at hand. So, this is the best time to practice your discipline by sticking to a specific daily routine.
It makes it easier to transition back to normal.
As you have all the time in your hands, it is easy to get bored and run out of things to do. By creating a routine, you are ensuring that you’re spending every time doing something productive. Also, you can find a balance between your tasks and hobbies. Though, we are not going to be in quarantine forever. By the time you can go back to work, you will not have a hard time transitioning back as you are already used to having a schedule.
It saves time and money.
One good thing from the general community quarantine is that it cuts back in some of your daily expenses, such as transportation. As a result, it is tempting to direct the money we save to other leisure items. It is okay to do so, but not all the time. Sticking to a schedule will eliminate things that are not essential to your work. Plan tasks and meals and only buy stuff that will help you accomplish them.
It helps you focus on you and your mental health.
We are so caught up in our work that we don’t give enough time to pause and breathe during normal days. We tend to forget to take care of ourselves, especially our mental health. Now that you have time to spare, give time to relax, and pamper yourself. Revisit an old hobby you enjoy or catch on some hours of sleep. It is also the best time to reflect and think about how we can energize ourselves despite the trying times we’re going through.
How to Create a Routine During the General Community Quarantine
Now that we understand the importance of having a routine despite the general community quarantine, how can we start putting structure back to our day-to-day life? Here are some tips for doing so.
Create a Schedule
An integral part of creating a structure to your day is having a schedule. It doesn’t mean that you need to recreate your normal working schedule completely. Allow yourself to sleep in a little bit in the morning or take time out to grab a quick snack. It can also help to encourage the people you live with to do the same, so you will be more motivated to maintain it.
Get Dressed
A part of our normal routine is getting dressed for work. Even though it is tempting to stay in your pajamas for the whole day, what you wear can affect your productivity. Because you’re in clothes you would normally sleep in, it persuades you not to start on your tasks. Taking a bath and changing clothes can help you prepare and feel that your day is beginning. It doesn’t require you to wear a uniform or a suit and tie- though if that motivates you, then why not. A good t-shirt will still give you the comfort you want when working from home but, at the same time, don’t urge you to go back to sleep.
Create a Designated Workspace
As mentioned earlier, where we work affects the number of tasks we accomplish. By having a designated workspace, it creates the feeling of having an office inside your home. Find a desk or room that you can claim as your space during your work schedule. Once you find a spot that suits your way of working, get rid of anything that may distract you. You are designating a space to separate your “work life” and “personal life” even if you’re only in one place. It is best to have your workspace a bit distant from your bed or room, as it can tempt you to lay down instead of doing something productive.
Stick to your Mealtimes
When creating your schedule, make sure to designate time for your meals. At work, we are usually given time to eat, so doing the same during the general community quarantine, will bring a sense of familiarity with your days. Also, the quarantine does not mean you need to let go of your healthy eating habits. Do not deprive yourself of healthy, home-cooked meals. If you want to cook, make some time in your schedule to do so.
Find Time for Physical Activity
Much like eating healthy, staying active can still be done despite being in quarantine. Before the pandemic, you may be too busy to hit the gym or do any exercise. Now that you have the time, allot a portion of your day to move your body. Because you are stuck at home, you can gain unnecessary weight. Being stagnant can also take a toll on your mind. Exercise can release endorphins, which is something we can benefit from during this time. Even at least 10 minutes of activity, whether day or night, can create wonders for both body and mind.
Reconnect with your Loved Ones
The general community quarantine is also the best time to reconnect with family and friends. If you are staying home with someone, take a break to spend quality time with them. It can be through eating meals together, watching a movie, or having conversations to catch up. If you are in quarantine alone, have a video chat with your parents or call a friend you haven’t talked to for a while. By talking and spending time with someone else can help you keep sane during this quarantine. It also helps you understand that you are not alone in going through these trying times.
These are only some of the ways on how you can inject some sense of normalcy during the general community quarantine. Feel free to take these tips and adapt them in a way that fits how you work. Remember that life doesn’t stop because of the COVID-19 pandemic. It may be a hard time for all of us, but we will get through this together.
