Habits and routines, we have been told, are very comforting and relaxing to the mind. Everyday I make my bed in the morning and brush my teeth. At night I brush and floss my teeth among other routines. This calms me down when my twice a year dental cleaning report comes out healthy. It is a positive reinforcement of my routine choices. The Covid pandemic has not really been affected in this case. Although it seemed scary to leave the house and go to the dentist, when our daily or yearly routines were impacted. Many of us stayed away from dentists or doctor appointments, when you were not sure about the vaccine status of the people you might find in a small space, like a waiting room.
It seems silly but with the rise of the ease of transmissibility of the Coronavirus Omicron Variant coming to the United States in the late fall and the relaxation of our lifestyle choices gone again, we are not only more fearful but, in fact, mad and angry at the turn of situation in our daily lives. The "look back" photos on my phone, rather than bring me joy of memory of a fun trip or event with family and friends, now bring me sadness and question whether those glorious moments will ever happen again. I know they will eventually. The question to ask myself is how habit and routine will save me.
As a Registered Dietitian, I hear how people have gained weight as gyms and fitness centers have closed along with an increase in stress, anxiety and depression. This has been met with an increase in comfort eating and baking more than we ever have done. With the likelihood that this pandemic may convert to an endemic, meaning the infections will always lay at a baseline level in society, and never go completely away, what is the plan to get back to a healthy lifestyle? Thus, our habits and routines, those daily activities that keep us feeling normal and healthy become even more important than ever. A least and until we feel more comfortable getting back to the gym and the weather warms up so we can be outside.
As I usually recommend, try to fit Yoga and Meditation into your routine and try to exercise 150 minutes per week. Eat as healthy as you can and try to limit the extra sweets. Get some sleep and perhaps lay off the information on the internet about things that upset you. This pandemic world we live in today will eventually settle down and I hope life will once again become so normal, it is boring. I may never again take for granted arranging for a flight to somewhere exotic to see another part of the world. But I will not be afraid to try when the world looks like it is ready for guests.
