Covid-19 has impacted all of our lives in a way we never thought imaginable. Now, as more people get vaccinated and return to work, we might find it hard to reset our routines. How we structured our lives before the pandemic, compared to now, varies significantly. Many people are reporting the difficulties of performing tasks that once seemed so easy. Now just going to get a coffee can feel like a big deal for some. Here are four tips to getting back into a routine and out of the pandemic slump.
1. Set a sleep schedule
Sleep is the most important thing to do to help get yourself back into a routine. You may have a different sleep schedule than before. Perhaps you stay up later and are finding it hard to get up earlier. Setting a sleep schedule is challenging but not impossible. Putting down the tech early in the night will set you up for success. Blue light from our screens stimulates our brains, which stops us from naturally producing melatonin (the sleep hormone) at night. The next tip may be hard if you are tired, but eliminating the caffeine earlier allows us to get it out of our systems before bedtime. It is a good idea to have your last cup of coffee at least five hours before bed. Doing these two tips gives you time to relax and naturally become tired. Try to meditate, read a book, or listen to music to get yourself ready for bed.
2. Take time for yourself
If all day, every day, you only focus on your to-do list, then you might quickly experience burnout at work, which could result in you being less efficient and more stressed out than before. Taking time to enjoy yourself will allow you to get more done when the time comes. So watch your favorite Netflix show, cook your favorite meal, or call that friend with which you have meant to reconnect. If you don’t allow yourself this time, every task will feel impossible.
3. Make a back to work plan
Your job might look different than it did before. With social distancing, mask mandates, and staggered work hours, it could feel jarring to what you once knew. Speak with your manager about safety protocols beforehand so that you know what to expect. Plan how you will get to work. If you once took the bus and no longer feel comfortable doing so, consider biking or carpooling with a coworker. Making sure you have a plan for your return will help ease any anxiety you might be experiencing.
4. Find an outlet for stress
Stress is one of the most crippling feelings we can have. It could feel stressful to reset your routine and return to work, but ensure that you relieve that pent-up stress. Reducing stress can be accomplished through exercise, journaling, spending time with loved ones, or anything that helps elevate your mood. Stress reduction will help your body naturally reset itself, making your return to normal a little easier.