At the onset of Covid a year and a half ago, I established a new routine once things began to settle down. Understanding that I thrive on structure, I found my previous routine had been disrupted, leaving me feeling rather lost.
I held onto my morning workout sessions, always starting work from the same chair. I woke my children at the same time each day to ensure they were alert enough for their online classes. My grocery shopping was scheduled for the same time weekly. I baked every Friday and adhered to a cleaning schedule. I organized regular calls with friends and treated the kids to takeout a few times a week just to break the monotony of being home.
This sense of routine became my anchor amid the chaos. It helped me navigate each day, reminding me that as long as I kept moving forward, we would eventually emerge from this situation. On the days I felt overwhelmed, the few constants in my life provided a much-needed sense of stability and kept me from spiraling into anxiety.
Many friends and family members echoed my sentiments. Their lives had shifted dramatically from being filled with activities to feeling quite small, and focusing on the routines they created helped them avoid feeling overwhelmed by the surrounding negativity.
However, during this time, many of us found ourselves resisting what felt natural. Although our minds urged us to slow down, we pushed ourselves harder than ever. The absence of breaks between online learning, remote work, and household chores made everything seem monumental. I often felt exhausted, telling myself there was no justification for it since I had fewer distractions and didn’t need to leave home. Just stick to the routine!
Now, as vaccination rates rise and life resumes, I find it increasingly challenging to adhere to any kind of routine. My focus has waned, and my motivation has plummeted compared to pre-pandemic times. I was eager to re-engage with the activities I once enjoyed, yet they now feel more challenging than ever.
I’m not alone in this struggle. A friend recently confided in me about her difficulties with daily work, expressing that she felt as if she was losing her spark. “My outlets are back, yet I don’t want to do anything,” she lamented. Another friend, who was thrilled to resume her exercise class after a long hiatus, has canceled several sessions, unsure of why she can’t get back into the groove. “I was so excited for this, but I just can’t get into it,” she shared, and I completely relate.
We reached out to readers for their experiences, and many expressed similar challenges. For instance, Marcus stated, “I’ve been on vacation for four weeks this summer, and while I know it will impact my business, I just can’t seem to focus.” Similarly, Linda shared, “I’m really struggling with maintaining a routine and actually miss my pandemic schedule.”
Psychology Today notes that while some people thrive in times of change, many of us form strong attachments to our routines. It seems we became accustomed to our pandemic lives, and adjusting back to the norm is taking time. The article explains that significant changes can disrupt emotional and psychological well-being, leaving us feeling disoriented.
If you’re finding it tough to reacclimate, know that you’re not alone. Many of us are trying to find that balance and determine what feels right. Personally, I’m taking things one day at a time. This means not rigidly adhering to a routine but prioritizing essential tasks and allowing myself breaks. I won’t beat myself up for what I can’t accomplish today, tomorrow, or even next week. Just as we adapted during Covid, we will find our new normal again.
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Summary
Many people are finding it challenging to return to a regular routine as life resumes post-pandemic. The shift from structured pandemic routines to a more open lifestyle can create feelings of disorientation and loss of motivation. By taking things one day at a time and prioritizing essential tasks, we can gradually find our way back to a new normal.