At the end of my last blog post, I mentioned that after two months of starting school, COVID-19 hit (across the United States).

Let me back up a little bit – when I left my job in December of 2019, I started working for my family business so I would still have an income. I started classes at Kent State University in January 2020 and in March, face-to face classes were cancelled, everything went online and the following week Governor Mike DeWine announced the stay-at-home order for Ohio. Our family business has been temporary closed ever since.

School kept me busy but being single is lonely enough – then you throw in social distancing???

Singleness combined with isolation IS difficult.

I made the decision early on to keep a daily routine, as if I were entering a normal workday in the office. I had homework to thank for that. And now school has ended for the semester, I am recovering from surgery (and to add to that - I can’t drive), the country is beginning to reopen but I have kept the same schedule – because I am still not working.

What have I done to keep my mental health in check?

I still have hard days … but these are some things I have done -

(This list was gathered three different ways – What I have done, taking a survey on Facebook and Instagram stories I have seen the last two months.)

Here we go –

the TOP 5 WAYS TO KEEP A ROUTINE DURING THIS PANDEMIC -

1) NO TELEVISION DURING THE DAY -

Watching TV all day can put me in a funk.

When school was in session, I didn’t have time to watch TV. But now I open the windows, read, pray, edit on the computer, video chat with family and friends, walk outside, go for drives and visit people from a distance. I have even started a puzzle.

My friend Shelley in Pittsburgh shared a few photos with me of her kids putting puzzles together during this time – they have been busy!

This sweet friend of mine also wrote a book title Standing at the Edge of Greatness. She shares her story of losing her brother to a tragic accident, experiencing her mom’s Alzheimer’s disease getting worse - while the Lord continues to show her daily reminders of His love through her kids.

2) I’VE BECOME A PLANT MOM -

I actually water them every day! I know - I’m proud of myself too! That’s a first for me and plants. I never understood the excitement of plants but now I get it. They add character to your house – they are pretty and come with many different shapes and sizes. They also produce oxygen which is good for people and the environment.

3) PEOPLE HAVE WORKED ON HOME PROJECTS –

Based on my Facebook survey and the posts I have seen the last two months, many people have worked on home projects, such as – painting rooms and landscaping outside – my cousin Leah in Chicago revamped her hallway and stairwell (the video is below of before and after) and she landscaped her front yard (below and after pictures are below).

4) MANY PEOPLE (INCLUDING CELEBRITIES) HAVE CREATED COOKING TUTORIAL VIDOES –

What else was there to do during the pandemic than to eat good food! Instagram stories has become home to people showing us what they were having for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Somewhere along the way – a new fad started where they showed us step by step on making the meal.

The most popular tutorials I’ve seen are Spanish recipes.

5) WALKING! WALKING! WALKING!

When we couldn’t go anywhere and were advised to stay at home – everyone started walking outside. I think when we slowly get back to our new normal, this new routine will be here to stay. People seem to enjoy it. iIt’s great for mental health and keeps us unplugged from technology.

5 Ways to Keep a Routine during COVID-19