4 Ways to Create Certainty in Uncertain Times
The sun will rise.
Many of us are feeling derailed as we try to navigate our lives during this worldwide pandemic – the coronavirus. How do we deal with this unprecedented time in history? How do we feel like ourselves in an unfamiliar world? In our homes, how do we homeschool, run our businesses, manage family relationships that are uncommonly close and social interaction that is uncommonly disconnected?
We can do a lot! Maybe that’s part of the problem.
It’s challenging to know where to begin. It reminds me of how I felt feel when I had a new baby, I’m not sure what I’m doing each day, but I know I will do something from the beginning to the end of the day. Time now is far more fluid than usual. I don’t keep the kind of office hours I’m accustomed to, because I’m not working my schedule around other activities and engagements. I’m going to bed later, and getting up later. Mainly because I don’t have my 7 am MaxFit exercise class beckoning me. And, to be honest, I have used this strange time as an excuse to indulge in carbs – my comfort foods.
Below are four suggestions that I think can help put a little structure into our lives. I believe these steps will help us know what day it actually is (anybody find themselves asking, “What day is today?”), determine what we need/want to get done each day, and give us a sense of purpose and productivity. So here we go, 4 Ways to Create Certainty in Uncertain Times:
1. Make a schedule – Now that many of us have had over a week that’s been a little too loose, it’s time for us to carve out a new routine.
Determine what time you will go to bed and what time you will get up each day.
Have a morning routine. I strongly advise you not to make scrolling and reading the latest on COVID-19 the first thing you do each day. Do something intentional like pray, read a devotional, put on some music that eases you into your day or lights a fire under your butt (depending on your mood or personal preference), do a five-minute stretch.
Then, if you’re a mama with kids at home, no doubt you’ve got a lot of To Dos that have everything to do with the kiddos. You can still put together a schedule with blocks of time for meals, getting dressed, school time, breaks, work time, reading, exercising. While it may be tempting to stay in your pjs, I recommend a shower and/or getting dressed for the day or workout first thing. I’ve put together a little calendar to help you map out your time, just in case you don’t have a paper calendar and would like one for the time being.
2. Seize this moment to be intentional – Most of us are go-go going a lot of the time, especially if we’re raising families. Well we’ve been forced to stop. And while the circumstances are not what we would choose, how can we make the most of this time? As hard to imagine as this might be, this time will slip away. And before you know it, the coronavirus will be behind us. Now is the time to:
Build in some time to develop your relationship with your significant other who is now working from home.
Tweak your family life – are there some things you can do during this time you otherwise couldn’t? Go on a family walk or bike ride, journal your experience, cook some meals together, have intentional discussions with your kids.
Check out my friend Kimberly Amici and her husband Carl’s Build Your Best Family. They have a podcast and a ton of articles and resources that can help you.
Set intentional goals – for you, your kids/family, your marriage. Put together a big list, then narrow this list down to 3-5 goals and put them on the schedule we discussed in Point 1. Since my kids do not live with me normally but two out of four are here now, my list includes meals together, Vision Boarding, personality tests, question of the day, and definitely spontaneous dance parties!!
3. Determine simple ways to be a happier and healthier you during this confusing time – What are just three things you need to do each day to feel healthier and happier? I’m talking about “you time,” self-care, three things that matter most to you. Things that make you feel human, accomplished, grounded, joyful, organized, healthy. This little list is so uniquely you. And it can change from time to time. These are your self-care non-negotiables. Today my three things to feel happier and healthier include:
Get up and shower right away.
Get at least 30 minutes of exercise.
Put together my big list of things I’d like to do while I’m sequestered with my husband and daughters and narrow it down with my family at dinner this evening.
What are your three Happier Healthier To-Dos?
4. Stay Connected – With social distancing in place for most of the country, you could feel disconnected pretty easily. While, under normal circumstances, social media and digital connection can be a poor substitute for in real-life gathering, right now it’s an excellent option. I’ve had a few opportunities to connect with friends and associates that have really helped me feel a sense of normalcy.
Try Zoom Video Conferencing – My sisters and our daughters had a little video happy hour the other night. It felt good to check in on one another. I’ve got another scheduled with some other family members later this week. And my husband has gathered virtually with his brothers and mother.
Connect with Apple’s FaceTime Video Chat App – If you haven’t used FaceTime yet, this is another great way to connect. I have a few groups of friends I gather with regularly. We’ve had to cancel some of our plans, so we FaceTimed the other day to catch up and pray together.
Make a Phone Call – We don’t have to get video or techno fancy, we can connect by phone. This too can be added to your schedule. Maybe check in with one friend a day.
We will get through this. And this too shall pass. However, in the meantime, I hope these 4 Ways to Create Certainty in Uncertain Times will help you navigate this time of social distancing. I’d love to hear how you’re doing. Let me know if there is anything I can do to help you.