This year, Halloween sneaked up on me. One moment, it was October, and I could have sworn it was still August. Just two weeks later, my son’s birthday would have also slipped by unnoticed if it weren’t for his constant countdown reminders.
Recently, I found myself spending a good chunk of time trying to recall what I had cooked for dinner the previous night. I had absolutely no memory of it. While ‘mom brain’ is a real phenomenon, this felt different—it was as if my mind was completely blank, devoid of any recollection.
These moments are unsettling, especially during a year that has been anything but ordinary. Despite the numerous events that have occurred since March, everything feels like a blur. Initially, I thought this disorienting experience was solely due to my role as a single parent during a pandemic. However, many people are feeling similarly lost.
With the absence of typical life events—like work gatherings, birthday celebrations, and vacations—our capacity to store and recall memories has diminished. Psychologist Dr. Lucy Cheke explains that when our routines become monotonous, our brains struggle to distinguish between experiences. Simultaneously, the overwhelming stressors of 2020 have further muddled our sense of time.
According to Alex Williams from the New York Times, constant crises have disrupted the comforting notion that our lives follow a predictable pattern. The present feels overwhelmingly immediate, while the future remains an uncertain concept clouded by the impact of COVID-19. The combination of mundane days and rising anxiety can create a sensation akin to living in the film “Groundhog Day.”
Fortunately, there are strategies to regain your sense of time. “Life doesn’t have to feel like Groundhog Day every day,” says therapist Mia Thornton, who emphasizes the importance of establishing a routine.
Establish a Consistent Schedule
Dr. Kevin Morales, a psychiatrist, suggests that adhering to a regular schedule can prevent disorientation. Waking up and going to bed at consistent times can recalibrate your internal clock. Mia recommends distinguishing weekdays by assigning specific activities to each day—like Taco Tuesdays or Laundry Thursdays—to maintain variety.
Set Goals
Creating both short-term and long-term goals can help break the monotony. While setting long-term goals may be challenging given the uncertainties of 2020, having a future direction can be beneficial.
Engage in Distracting Activities
Anxiety can distort our perception of time. Professor Sarah Jennings from UC Riverside recommends engaging in “flow activities” that captivate your attention and provide a sense of challenge—like tackling a new recipe or picking up a craft project.
Maintain Social Connections
Even while social distancing, it’s vital to find ways to connect with others. Dr. Morales highlights that a lack of interaction can lead to jumbled thoughts. While Zoom fatigue is real, maintaining social ties—virtual or otherwise—is crucial.
Focus on What You Can Control
With so much beyond our control in 2020, sticking to a routine can provide structure. Prioritize what you can manage—your bedtime, self-care, and daily activities. And remember, if a day derails your plans, be gentle with yourself; it’s okay to have off days.
Eventually, the challenges posed by the COVID-19 crisis will ease, and normalcy will return. I eagerly await the day I no longer take for granted the little markers that differentiate one day from another. Until then, from my family to yours: happy March 265th!
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Summary:
In a year marked by uncertainty and routine monotony, many are experiencing a blur of days reminiscent of “Groundhog Day.” Establishing a consistent schedule, setting goals, engaging in meaningful activities, maintaining social connections, and focusing on controllable aspects of life can help restore a sense of time and clarity.