Forming new routines

Inspired by Fenris' post about forming new routines, I feel compelled to write a bit about my own. No one has escaped this crisis (except maybe some nuclear submachine crews who might spend months under the surface), and where I live we are advised to avoid meeting people, gatherings of more than 10 people have been prohibited, and one region of the country is closed off.

I myself have been laid off work (luckily I did not loose that much money because of it since it is a few-hours-a-week job, but it still feels bad) and as schools and universities have closed and transformed all education to distance-learning, my schedule has opened up a surprising lot. Now, I do count this as a blessing, but it has come with its challenges.

Teatime is always at two o'clock!

First off, when libraries and restaurants are closing I can no longer go out of my house to study. I like going to other places because then I don't have my home life distracting me. I also don't have many lectures, and the ones I have happen to be on the same day, just right after each other, once a week. So building some kind of consistent routines from this very open framework has been surprisingly difficult for me.

I know that I am most productive during the hours after I have just woken up (between six and seven in the morning). So I have now started placing articles and other school material next to my bed so that I may reach for them before getting up (I know, really good sleep hygiene right there, not).

Another thing I have struggled with is eating regularly. I know exactly what happens if I go too long without eating. I usually don't get hungry before it is too late and my blood sugar drops, causing dizziness and grumpiness. So I have started implementing a schedule for eating, mostly focusing on breakfast, lunch and dinner, with snacks in between if necessary. I keep a meal planner on the side of my fridge. It helps me plan my meals and manage what food items need to be consumed before they go bad.

I have also tried to go to bed earlier, at the latest around the time I am  now writing this blog. And since there is a lot going on right now with trying to manage the situation and keeping in touch with friends and family, I will also start to implement an even stronger and firmer evening routine. I have thus far tried to read at least on chapter of a book before going to sleep (before penning these thoughts I just finished Thorn Mooney's Traditional Wicca). Now I will try to couple that with meditation before sleep.

New routines form as we adjust to the situations that arise around us. We are humans and we are adaptable, even in the face of a pandemic. We will come out of this at some point, hopefully having learnt some life lessons. And remember: This too shall pass.

Blessed be!
~Stella