Evenings
Outside abnormal shifts at work the 8 am to 5 pm life can be draining Start the night before to prepare for the work day
After dinner meal prep for breakfast and lunch Make certain the dishwasher is packed and the kitchen is clean
Shower the night before work so you can concentrate on getting ready for the day
Lay out the kids clothes out and book bags packed if school is still in session when your routine continues
Stay away from caffeine and alcohol before bed Do not eat anything heavy after 8 pm
Create a routine at bedtime Add essential oils to the bedroom meditate or journal and keep the temperature comfortable
Hobbies
During a pandemic it became common to pick up new hobbies or hone what you already are talented in outside work Dont drop your hobbies or new interests build them around work Arts and crafts music puzzles baking reading gardening and cooking are all wonderful additions to your new routine
If you are looking for a hobby that can help relax your mind after work try flower gardening or journaling Create a cozy reading or writing nook
Exercise
Keep your expectations in check When you take a break from working out cardio or weight lifting it is impossible to return to where you were pre COVID Set goals that you can reach at the start and incrementally add more Consult a doctor if you have been previously injured so you do not strain any muscles or ligaments
Walking is a good start a few times a week Look at your calendar and build times in when you know you can succeed You might even want to find a friend or a family member to keep you accountable
Mornings
Speaking of exercise think about starting your day with yoga or meditation After a full 7 to 8 hours of sleep kickstart the day with a walk or light workout Drink a full glass of water to activate the kidneys and get moving Add a healthy breakfast to your routine either at home or in the office
One easy recipe that you can prep before the week are breakfast burritos
Breakfast Burritos
12 eggs
skim milk
reduced fat cheese
veggies your choice
bacon ham or sausage
whole wheat tortillas
Scramble the eggs in a pan with a little bit of milk to make the eggs moist and fluffy
Cook your choice of veggies by adding a little bit of olive oil to the pan
Cook your choice of meats
Assemble your choice of toppings onto tortillas Fold and wrap with foil to freeze
Unwrap foil and microwave for 1 minute wrapped in a paper towel
Prep Your House
You are not the only person who needs to prepare for life after the pandemic your house needs to get back in order as well Purge clutter go through the pantry and try on your clothes Donate what doesnt fit or what isnt useful
Reconnect
Start to connect back with friends and family After a year away it is important for your emotional and mental health to reconnect Catch up on life start a book club or Bible study and go to lunch Friendships were either forged in the pandemic or broken so pick up from 2020 and start back up
With time your routine will get back into shape from pre pandemic life It may not be easy with a disrupted schedule for yourself and your family so be patient Start early on bedtime routines and get up a little earlier to not feel rushed in the day
If you are in a pattern of sleepless nights that are negatively affecting your health your family or your career connect with the Alaska Sleep Clinic for a free consultation Our sleep medicine specialists offer the help needed to get back on track with a quality healthy nights sleep
