How to Bounce Back to “Normal”
After a break that lasted a few more weeks than I expected, I was hesitating between acknowledging my absence or to ignore it and go straight to the important points of this blog.
The truth is that I don’t have much to say, but the fact that I have been changing my routine due changes in my work schedule and lacking the inspiration to write or share anything that could have any value for whoever reads it.
I don’t know about you, but since the quarantine started I have noticed a rollercoaster of emotions and moods. I had to change my job (no dramas with that, I love my new one) and I had to change my routine multiple times too.
Like many others, I am still working from home and spending more hours than it’s healthy inside of my small flat.
I am currently working on going creating a new routine that works for me, a routine that is safe enough and helps me get away from technology and helps me keep myself in a good mood. I thought I could share a few of the activities that have kept me sane in my best days so you guys can try them and let me know if they work for you.
Book a.m.
The first activity that had made a great effect on me is reading a few pages of a book the first time in the morning, usually in my balcony.
If you are like me and you don’t feel like reading something deep and pragmatic at early times, go back to a fiction book.
And yes, I know I used to badmouth fiction novels in some of my past posts, I have considered them a waste of time due to their lack of knowledgable material, but that was before the world collapsed. I have also changed my mind regarding novels. Despite not providing us with a great deal of data the creative side that great novels carry can be inspirational, as well as help us understand human behaviours and feelings using our imagination.
my love for fiction books is back! I have noticed a massive difference in my temper when I wake up in the morning and have something to read that keeps me intrigued.
Yoga
The effect that doing some yoga exercises has in my mind lasts longer than a few hours. I have observed that, when I put myself to do a session, I keep myself healthier for the rest of the day.
I am less likely to eat something too high in sugars because I don’t want my efforts for the day to be a waste. After hours of me sitting on the same chair, I have habituated myself to workouts focused on back and shoulder exercises.
Cook something good
During this time I had the change to try different dishes and fortunately I found two which have become meals I have at least once a week.
One of them is a Broccoli soup I found online and the other one is a chickpea salad with pasta and feta cheese.
Sleep time
And if there is something that has improved my sleep quality during the last crazy weeks is listening to an audiobook!
Again, I recommend listening to a fiction book that keeps you away from the world. Let yourself fly away from reality and immerse yourself into a different story.
These are the activities I have added to my new routine and so far they are getting me through this a lot better. Other practices you may want to try out can be:
- Buying a plant and try to grow it
- Start a new project, like creating a unique work of art and becoming the new Da Vinci
- Set up your new fitness goals
- Learn a few words of the language that’s spoken in the country you want to visit next
- Make a list of books you want to read + movies/shows you want to watch
And that’s the post! I am trying to set up a new list of movies and books to recommend to you because I know that finding something great to watch/read can be difficult. I would also like to How are you dealing with this “Back to school” feeling?
18 Comments
John Malone
Hey, first of all, it’s great that you are back!! It’s nice reading what have you been up to and it is awesome that you are happy with your new job
The thing you mentioned that I have done the most is reading in the mornings and I do think that is a total game changer and it can set up your day to be great. I wouldn’t change it for anything
Kiira Smith
I can’t think of anything better than reading in the morning.
Exercising is great too but it would take some added willpower to make it a routine!
Emma Crawford-Nash
It’s totally normal that you may not be as inspired as usual sometimes. I sometimes write (just for myself though!) and there are periods where I just don’t know what to write about at all haha
This slow ‘back to normal’ is all very strange but it is a good opportunity to do new habits (like the ones you mentioned), I am doing yoga in the evenings now and I love it!
Kiira Smith
I know, it’s extremely weird to sit down and have nothing to write about, hopefully is something temporary!
I’m glad to read you have started practicing Yoga, it has become a mental health saver for many during the last months 🙂
Manon
It’s great to see that you have posted again! I hope you are enjoying your new job, new beginnings can be difficult sometimes..
I do need to work on new, nice habits. I would love to set up some fitness goals for the rest of the year so I have to get on with that!
Kiira Smith
That’s very sweet, new beginnings are always a step forward in our lives, whether it’s about a new job, moving to a different city or starting new healthy habits 🙂
Good luck with your fitness goals!
Anna O.
Just saw your blog today for the first time. It’s great!
Speaking from experience, sorting out your sleep is very important. It makes everything else so much easier.
A few years ago I made a list of all the habits I wanted to create, why I wanted to do it and what was holding me back from building said habits.
90% of them had “I’m too tired when I get home/I keep hitting the snooze button.” or some variation of that that boiled down to the fact that my sleep habits were what was holding me back.
Getting to bed and getting up at the same time everyday made it much easier to work on the other habits I wanted to build. Also, eating correctly is also super important
Kiira Smith
Thank you Anna 🙂
I love that you made a list to find out which habits were having a negative effect on your life, it shows that you are willing to change and be better.
I try to go to bed at the same time every day too, but I should stop hitting the snooze button in the mornings, it’s really hard though!
Karen
Cool update! Here are two habits that have had the biggest impact for me:
Exercising first thing in the morning. Whenever I do this, I swear I make better decisions and have more energy throughout the day. My method of exercise is resistance training with free weights. However, exercising this early is not for everyone!
Eating a diet high in healthy fats. I do not follow a Keto diet per se, but I do eat a lot of grass fed butter, MCT oil, coconut oil, almonds, ect. Healthy fats are awesome for your overall health. Stay away from simple carbs and sugar, for a number of health reasons.
Kiira Smith
Those are wonderful habits! Exercise first time in the morning is a top goal for me, it takes a lot of willpower but it’s totally worth it.
I can add more healthy fats to my diet like you mentioned, specially with my evening snacks 🌅
Jane
My favourite things to do in the morning are:
1: cold shower 2: journaling 3: gym (above all)
Kiira Smith
I love your top 3!
Martha
This might seem simple and silly, but my favorite habit is going on long walks everyday. I think going out in the fresh air, taking time away from my devices, and exploring different areas in my city are all very good for the soul. It’s also a form of moderate exercise if you walk fast enough, but sometimes it’s just nice to take it a little slow to “smell the roses”. This has had an impact on my mental health that all other habits haven’t quite had on me. It’s the only thing that I can rely on to improve my mood, because it makes me feel refreshed.
Kiira Smith
Long walks have been my go-to during the quarantine, but I used to have them in the evening when I was already frustrated of being at home all day.
I will definitely try to take those walks before noon, there must be fewer people around and, as you mentioned, it’s a form of soft exercise, I love your idea 🙂
Sarah L.
Something that has had a big impact for me, is no snooze button in the mornings. It really helps me set the tone for the day.
Kiira Smith
Interesting! I often hit the snooze button too. I think a good habit is to leave the phone/alarm far away from my bed, that way I have to get up and walk to turn it off 🙂
Peter
Taking time off with a tea or coffee and sitting in the sun to relax for an hour to de-speed my life, is life-chaning for me
Kiira Smith
I enjoy coffee breaks a lot, but finding a sunny spot around is way more difficult hahaha