At the onset of the pandemic a year and a half ago, I created a new daily schedule as life shifted around me. Like many, I thrive on routine, and the chaos left me feeling overwhelmed. I held onto my morning workouts, settled into the same chair to begin work, and woke my kids up at a consistent time to ensure they were alert enough for their online classes. My grocery shopping was planned for the same day every week, and Fridays became my baking day. I followed a cleaning regimen, scheduled calls with friends, and occasionally treated my family to takeout for a change of scenery.
These routines became my anchors during a time when so much felt uncertain. They provided a sense of normalcy and helped me navigate each day without completely spiraling into anxiety. I convinced myself that as long as I kept moving forward, we would eventually emerge from this. When feelings of overwhelm crept in, those few steadfast aspects of my life helped prevent me from getting lost in overthinking.
Talking with friends and family, I learned that many were experiencing similar challenges. Their once vibrant lives had shrunk to mundane routines, and to maintain focus during such unsettling times, they clung to the patterns they had established.
During this period, however, many of us found ourselves resisting what felt natural. Our instincts urged us to slow down, but we pushed ourselves harder than ever. The absence of breaks between remote learning, work obligations, and household chores made everything feel monumental. I felt drained and exhausted, yet told myself I should be more rested since I had fewer distractions and no need to leave home. Just stick to the routine, right? But we all know how damaging that mindset can be.
Now, as vaccinations roll out and life begins to open up again, I find it even more challenging to maintain any semblance of a routine. My focus has waned, and my motivation is nowhere near what it was before the pandemic. I was eager to re-engage with life and enjoy the activities I had missed, yet those same joys now feel harder to embrace.
I’ve spoken to friends experiencing similar sentiments. One mentioned her struggle to stay productive at work, feeling as if she was slipping through the cracks and losing her enthusiasm. “Everything I loved is back, yet I don’t want to do any of it,” she shared. Another friend was excited to return to her exercise classes after a long hiatus only to find herself canceling sessions because she simply couldn’t get back into the groove. “I was looking forward to this, but I just don’t feel it anymore,” she admitted, a sentiment I resonate with deeply.
We reached out to some readers for their perspectives, and the responses were telling. John expressed feeling unfocused despite having taken several vacations this summer. Kathy shared her longing for the routines established during the pandemic, admitting, “I’m really struggling to stick to a routine now.” Allison echoed these sentiments, stating, “I feel so scattered lately.”
Psychology Today notes that while some people thrive amidst change, many of us form strong attachments to our routines and environments. It’s possible that we’ve become accustomed to the structure of our pandemic lives, even if we weren’t fully aware of it at the time. Adjusting back to normalcy is likely to take time.
The article reminds us that significant life changes can disrupt our emotional and psychological equilibrium, leaving us feeling lost and insecure. While we know change is necessary, not everyone adapts to it easily. If you’re finding it difficult to reintegrate into a routine, rest assured, you’re not alone. Many are navigating this transition and trying to find what feels right.
For me, it’s about taking things one day at a time and allowing myself the flexibility to adapt. I prioritize essential tasks, then take breaks to evaluate what else I can tackle, without the pressure of perfection. Just as we adapted during the pandemic, we will find a new normal and adjust once again. If you want to read more about navigating these changes, check out this other blog post here.
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In summary, many are experiencing challenges in readapting to routines post-pandemic, feeling lost amidst the changes. It’s crucial to take things slowly and recognize that it’s okay to not have everything figured out right away. Embrace each day and allow for flexibility in your routine as we all navigate this transition together.
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