Lockdown Day 1 - Resilience Through Routines

So, it is happening! The Great British Lockdown. Life feels far from normal but at a time like this there are things that we can all do to support our own resilience. We will be sharing thoughts, ideas, etc for wellbeing over the next few weeks.
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What does ‘normal’ mean to us? And how do we find a ‘normal’ over the next few weeks. For many people, it is the sense of routine and purpose that they will miss during the lockdown.  One of the ways we can do this is to find a new routine that works in our new context. Once the ‘every day is a weekend lie-in’ feeling wears off, it is the routines that will support our resilience. Just getting up at the same time each day and going to bed at the same time is helpful but keeping the same patterns of activities at the start and end of each day will help sleeping patterns and stress management. 

Those who have children at home will have seen many suggestions for a daily routine online at this time when schools are closed and the rest of us can take a leaf out of their books. The key thing is to be intentional about activities.  This may mean setting times for prayer, meals, chores, TV, reading, work, hobbies, calling friends and family, social media, exercise. But having a routine does not mean being a slave to it. Routines are a framework that help us to create a ‘normal’ in the craziness that is life at the moment. Be flexible! Most of our treasured memories in life are when a normal routine is disrupted. So enjoy the security of your new routines, treasure the disruptions and keep well during this time.  And maybe build some healthy habits for life. Catch up with you soon!

God bless!