It seems like the whole world had a glimpse of what slowing down really looked like in 2020. Looking around and following my friend's posts on social media all pointed to frantic answers of what to do during quarantine. Some basked in netflix and chill, some anxiously cleaned or remodeled their home, and others found solitude in the quiet.
There was a mix of all that for me. When we first went into quarantine here in NY, I was amazed with the power the state surely had to close everyone down. Confused and frustrated with the unknown like so many people, I fell into comfortable ways with snacking and watching Game of Thrones for two weeks straight. Yes, you heard me right. I was watching Game of Thrones like it was my job. That's when it hit me, something has got to change. It took a little time to find a new routine, but to this present day, that routine stuck. Slowing down taught me very important things I will surely continue as I begin to pick up the pace. Even almost a year later, I'm very thankful for the solid foundation I forged in what felt like never ending uncertainty.
Start your day right.
It was so easy to sleep in. So easy to just let the day pass you and catch up later. There was no sense of urgency to get something done, because everything was on hold. No one could take your calls, all of your appointments were rescheduled to a later determined time, and no one was visiting your home. I found myself revolving around when I could watch the Queen of Dragons, especially because it couldn't be when the kids were home or awake. That meant late nights. If you should know anything about me, I am 100% a morning person. This was not like me at all, and I'm sure many people found different sleeping schedules as well.
How I fixed this problem, I started getting up at the same time every day. No matter what. What soon followed was that my night routine was simpler as my body began to feel natural sleep by 8 or 9 pm. Which was great for someone who was waking up at 6 am every day.
Meditation became an interest to me. I felt like I wanted to learn more about why or even how to do it. A great tool to use to help guide you through meditation is the app headspace. A fantastic way to feel like you've tuned out the white noise of your brain and really practice living in the moment while connecting with your five senses.
Finding a consistent time to be active was easy at first because, well, nothing else was happening! Then as I progressed my week, I found that it was the only time I truly felt in charge of my future. That this will make progress and I will at least find exercise as a physical accomplishment. The motivation was the hardest part but I found that I was more consistent in the morning.
Stay on course.
Now, I have consistently kept to those three points. Wake up, meditate, and exercise. It has profoundly reset what my daily outlook looks like. The benefits of using the circadian rhythm for my wake up set my clock and motivation for the day. It's no doubt that my overall wellbeing is affected positively with these three tips.
Finding something that works for you is crucial, not everyone has the same time schedule, but slowing down and really dialing into what your body needs takes a level of awareness or rather a moment of acknowledgement.
All the best,
Coach Burke