In a recent New York Times article, Kate Murphy points out that one of the challenges of this time is the disturbance we feel when reality doesn’t comport with our expectations. We’re used to school, Thanksgiving, even our commute, unfolding in a certain way. These routines are deeply ingrained in us and losing them makes us feel off-kilter and a little under threat. As the article notes, we evolved to cherish routine and expectation: “Routines, rituals and habits arise from the primitive part of our brains telling us, ‘Keep doing what you’ve been doing, because you did it before, and you didn’t die.’”
The answer, Murphy says, is to create new routines and rituals. Don’t simply keep your head down and wait for normal to return. This is normal now. So what new routines and habits can we set? Maybe it’s a morning walk around the block or a Sunday night Zoom with friends. Think about what you crave and build it into your day. I’ve started doing a mid-day yoga video and love the increased focus I get as I head into the afternoon. Settle into the new routines of this era—you may find some unexpected pleasures.