Nearly everyone across the country (and the globe) has been impacted by COVID-19 in some way. At one point, 95% of people in the U.S. were under some sort of lockdown. 

Many states are still under stay-at-home orders, leaving people “stuck” inside for another few weeks. 

While these orders are important for flattening the curve (reducing the number of new cases) and keeping people safe, it’s easy to go a little stir-crazy when you feel forced to stay at home. For some people, it can even lead to anxiety, feelings of loneliness, or depression. 

One of the things you can do to benefit yourself (and your family) while you’re at home is to keep a schedule. A schedule can make your daily routine feel a bit more normal, especially if you’ve just been playing it by ear each day. 

Let’s take a look at some other benefits of keeping a schedule and how it can help you as you continue to navigate through these uncertain times. 

A Schedule Can Benefit Your Mental Health

It might feel like stress is unavoidable at this point. But a schedule can help you to feel more on top of things and in control—even if the world feels chaotic. That can be a huge step toward keeping your mental and emotional balance.

First of all, when you have an idea of what your day will look like, you’re more likely to feel calm. Having things to do can also help you to combat stress and anxiety because it not only helps you focus on positive things but can also serve as a distraction from negative information. It can even make you realize that you have a purpose during this time of social isolation, which can boost your confidence, provide motivation, and even give you a bit more energy. 

It Makes You Feel More Productive

Not only can a schedule make you feel like you have more of a purpose, but it can push you toward that purpose, boosting productivity. 

When you feel like you have all the time in the world to sit at home and do “nothing,” it can zap your energy. And not accomplishing anything might even trigger feelings of depression or just general sadness. 

In contrast, having a list and checking things off as you go about your day can keep you on track and help you to feel more accomplished. In turn, that feeling is a mood booster and a motivator to keep on going. Instead of feeling stuck and listless, you may come up with new projects to tackle.

How to Keep a Schedule While You’re Staying at Home

Don’t worry about what your schedule should look like. There aren’t any concrete rules suggesting what you should and shouldn’t write down to do throughout your day. 

A good place to start is to develop a productive routine. Do things you were doing before the pandemic started. This includes waking up at the same time each day and going to bed at the same time each night. Everything from your daily shower, to exercise, to planning an activity with your family can be easier if you make it a part of your daily routine.

If you’re working remotely, set specific work hours during the day. And if you have kids, putting together a daily schedule—especially for schoolwork—can help them to feel less stressed and make them more productive too. 

Some things will have to change, of course. Everyone is getting used to a “new normal,” and that calls for being flexible. Though this may not be forever, making the most of it now can make it easier to get through. 

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Keeping a schedule will help you to break up the long days of social distancing and self-isolation. Whether you feel like you’re going stir-crazy at home or the effects of this pandemic are impacting your mental health, a schedule to help you continue with a routine can make a big difference. 

If you’re still not sure where to start or you’d like to learn more about how to keep your wit during this difficult time, feel free to contact me.