I never realized how heavily I relied on “structure” until now. I knew I liked it, I knew it was a part of our routine, but it has been over this past week that I have realized that structure not only regulated the things that I did during the day, but also attributed to regulating how I felt.
So let’s implement some structure! Easy right? (Um…wrong!)
Each time I’ve tried to step back and figure out how to incorporate structure back into my week (especially for at least a month or 2), I very quickly find myself becoming overwhelmed. So below are 5 simple steps that you can take to get through the rest of this week, and find a way to start functioning out of your new normal.
Schedule a meeting: Don’t just assume you and your family are on the same page. Schedule a time to meet together to discuss how to make the coming weeks work (start with you and your partner, so the 2 of you can be on the same page, and then incorporate the rest of your family).
Organize-Adjust-Repeat: As the current global situation continues to rapidly change, your daily schedules probably will too. Be open to meetings occurring multiple times in the coming weeks. Be flexible and consider including things like: Work, Rest, Play, Exercise, Connect (with friends and family via phone), Family time, and finally, social media time.
Recognize when you are most productive: Are you a morning person? Or a night owl? As you plan, consider times of day that you are most productive and take advantage of those times. Play to each family member’s strengths, and don’t be afraid to get creative! (Telehealth from a closet, anyone?)
Self-care time is SACRED: Here’s what I mean…put the phone down and quiet the chaos of the world. AVOID SCROLLING THROUGH SOCIAL MEDIA AND THE NEWS. These things will only add to feelings of stress and anxiety and take away from “rest” time. Be sure to schedule “self-care” time for each family member, because if you don’t have it scheduled, it won’t happen.
Remember: Your new normal will not be permanent, but the more structure you create throughout the day, the more stable your daily life will be. Yes, things will still be out of sorts; there will still be chaos, but at least in your space, you have created a calm amidst the storm.
Every person and family’s situation is different, but if you start here, adjusting to the constant changes will become easier. That doesn’t mean you will “enjoy” it more, or just “get used to it”, but it will get easier to handle.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please contact AWCC at 832-421-8714.
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