It’s week 9 of the Corona Diaries, and 2 words sum up these last few days: routine and control. When life feels out of whack, say during a global pandemic, routine helps. But why?
Routines set schedules, which can turn into measurable activities.
You’ve probably heard of SMART goals, and I see the value of measuring what I do, now more than ever. I measure workouts by how often I work out (now 6 out of 7 days), how many steps I take (tracked by my Garmin Watch, steadily increasing, dependent on making each day’s goal), and minutes or reps/activity or minutes/body part.
How can I apply these workout measurements to other areas of my life? I can, to some degree, to my work life. Since working from home, a daily meeting marks the day. But how about how much I spend animating, creating social content, writing copy? This is definitely something to consider, but often work is based on need, not just time.
How about how many times I make food versus delivery? How many minutes I create versus consume? (Increasingly tough, when Netflix is a couple clicks away). In all of this, I have to think of why each goal matters, not just making food because it’s usually cheaper and better for me.
I can’t control much, but I can control how I spend my time and how i act.
I have no idea how to “solve” Corona. All I know is, I need to stay at home, work in my corner of the world, and try to stay healthy. Routines that I set myself provide structure and a sense that I can do what only I can do. That means, not worrying about folks who choose not wear a mask if they don’t feel like it. That also means I should not get mad if the people I’m close to don’t want to hang out and stay at home themselves.
I can only control my actions and the words I say. So this period has affirmed something I decided long ago: opting out of political and health conversation on social media. Those who know me personally understand my beliefs and pathos, but that doesn’t mean my words about the topic belong on the Internet. I truly believe these conversations belong in person. Sarcasm is really difficult behind the screen, so (for now) I choose opting out.
However, that means when I do see people, I have to carefully consider my words and actions more. My silence online means I might be harder to read, when I eventually see my people regularly again. Or maybe after this is all done, I’ll want to deepen my relationships? I know some will be nervous, others excited to be social in person again. This is because…
Routines provide control, but each person has to set their own course.
This is something I continue to learn. As an example, my boyfriend and I share some of the same routine: we have different jobs but now both work from home, 9-5. But outside of that, we share some workout time, meal time, and time with the pupper. But that doesn’t mean our sense of time, or routines, are the exact same.
In fact, routines don’t necessarily have to be measured by the day. Some are by the week, some are “making sure they’re done, whenever they’re done.” I like having a cutoff time to my workouts while the bf doesn’t care, as long as we do. He likes getting brunch, I like having 3, sometimes 4, meals daily. The key? Meeting in the middle, or just having separate routines, once and a while.
In all of this, I am learning what I can and can’t control. Routines only get so far, when life is flipped. I can’t wait to give myself whim again – scheduling adventure with friends and by myself gives me joy. I can’t wait for the world to open up, but when it does, I know life will be different. And I have to accept that.
So what are you working on during this time? Are you shaping up routines or self-care? Are you focused on self-development or goals? Let me know in the comments!