It’s been a bit more than two months since the coronavirus pandemic brought the world to an abrupt halt. In that time, we’ve all had to significantly shift the way we live our lives – and many experts have already predicted it may be quite some time before we can return to the way things used to be. With life as we know it indefinitely on hold, what can you do to launch a new routine that structures your days?

Establish a Healthy Work-Life Balance

If you’re lucky enough to have a job that lends itself to telework, your priority should be to ensure your workday doesn’t bleed over into your leisure time. Having your work close to hand at all times can quickly start to blur the lines between your job responsibilities and your home life. Setting a work schedule can help you be more productive. Here’s how:

• Keep your hours consistent with what they used to be. For example, if you were on a standard 9-to-5 schedule before the pandemic, work only during that timeframe. Don’t respond to emails or try to complete projects outside those hours.
• By the same token, you shouldn’t allow household chores to distract you from your workday. It can be tempting to multitask by taking breaks to tidy the living room or wash the dishes, but some research indicates trying to accomplish too many things at once can reduce your productivity by as much as 40%.
• To get in the right mindset, don’t immediately roll out of bed, open your laptop and start your day. Instead, wash your face, brush your teeth, fix your hair and get dressed as if you were physically going to work.
• Even if you don’t have a home office, designate a space for you to focus on work. Complete all your tasks in this defined area, then “pack up” and put everything away at the end of each day for a sense of closure.

Stay Informed, Not Overwhelmed

The pandemic has accelerated the already breakneck pace of the news cycle, making it exhausting to try keeping up. While you should do your part to be an educated citizen, set time limits to avoid unnecessarily overloading yourself with stress and anxiety. Follow bad news with a “palate cleanser” of something cheerful, such as a funny story or video.

Don’t Forget Your Healthy Habits

Now, more than ever, it’s vital to look after your physical and emotional well-being. Healthy people have stronger immune systems, and they also find it easier to cope with setbacks. What can you do to be healthier during COVID-19?

• Get the recommended seven to nine hours of restful sleep every night.
• Manage your stress levels with techniques such as yoga, meditation and deep breathing.
• Drink plenty of water, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Keep your water within reach throughout the day, and steer clear of excess caffeine or sugary soft drinks.
• Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fresh produce and whole grains, and moderate amounts of lean protein and dairy. Avoid processed foods and added sugars.
• Stay active with regular exercise. To observe social distancing, modify your routine to work out at home.

Bridging the Gap Between Rehab and the “Real World”

The coronavirus crisis has highlighted the essential role healthy routines play in our daily lives. At Segue Recovery Support, we’ve built our high-accountability sober living environment around recovering addicts’ need for structure. If you’ve completed an addiction rehabilitation program and have struggled with the transition between treatment and the outside world, contact us today to learn more about our robust recovery network.