Reclaiming Power Over Our Lives

My topic this week is on creating a healthy and supportive routine; however, it feels disingenuous to dive into that topic without talking a little bit about what we’re facing in our world today and more specifically in the United States. 

So many of us have been feeling powerless because of the pandemic – compound those feelings of powerlessness with the helplessness that we feel when we watch yet another black American die needlessly at the hands of law enforcement and we might find ourselves in a place so dark that it seems impossible to move forward.  None of us wants to watch as our country is torn apart by the violence that has sprouted from the protests and yet, it’s hard to condemn these actions when we acknowledge that it was preceded by 400 years of racial injustice which unfortunately continues today. 

All of this leaves us feeling even more powerless.  The list of things that we can do to effect change and support social and racial justice is lengthy and might feel a bit overwhelming.  However, I strongly encourage you to explore that list and find one or two things that will allow you to act in a way that supports your beliefs and allows your voice to be heard.

Action is key to dispelling feelings of powerlessness, helplessness, and hopelessness.  In addition to taking action towards righting the wrongs of social and racial injustice, or even taking action to protect yourself, your family and your community from the Corona Virus, you can also take personal action that will support your mental, emotional and physical health by creating a healthy, supportive routine. 

While our country is in the process of re-opening many of us are still stuck anxiously waiting at home – maybe because our employers haven’t yet re-opened, or maybe because our employers won’t be able to re-open.  Or maybe we’re staying at home as much as possible because we have family members who are more vulnerable to the virus and we want to do all that we can to keep them healthy. 

All this waiting combined with the stressors associated with the pandemic and the more recent incidents of racial injustice creates a situation in which it is easy to lose our sense of time.   Days can begin to blend into each other.  A routine can give us an anchor and a greater sense of control over our lives.  And if you have children, creating a routine is especially important to give them a sense of normality.

Your morning routine is particularly important because how you start your morning sets the tone for the rest of your day.  An attitude-boosting morning routine that puts you in a good mood allows you to start your day off right.  In your daily routine be sure to include social time, exercise, and outdoor time and some learning or creativity so you get some benefit from this challenging time.  It's also important to recognize weekends because it's too easy for weeks to blur together.  One way to do this is by creating a looser schedule for your weekends.

Following a routine helps to create a sense of control and mastery over your environment and life circumstances.  Reclaim what power you can over your life, because with all this uncertainty it's important for you - and especially important for children - to have predictability.

So, until next time stay safe and healthy, nourish hope, and act!