I think it’s safe to say ~March Madness~ has been a little more intense this year! Between cancelled events, companies closing, hard working healthcare workers & not to mention the ever looming cloud that is COVID-19.

While this spring has definitely been full of downs, I’m think it’s time to take a second to think about how we can make the uncertainty of day to day life feel a little bit more normal.

If you know me, I am one of the MOST stressy people you could ever meet. And stressed spelled backwards is…. DESSERTS!! And trust me, during this quarantine, I have had more Reese’s peanut butter eggs than I care to admit. This season of uncertainty has led to a tense feeling of the unknown, a quick dissolve of routine and an abundance of free time! Sometimes we just have to take life as it comes and see how we can make use of our new lives at home.

Soooooo, to maintain my mental health let’s do a self care series! Week 1 of 4 is all about…

RISE AND SHINE, SUNSHINE! Let’s keep a routine!

Get up at the same time.

Now, why on earth would I get out of bed at the same time I do on a normal work day when I could sleep an extra 45 minutes?! Getting out of bed at the same time is a major way to maintain routine. It will be SO much easier to get up and go to work when all this is over, because it will end someday, and you have maintained some what of the same schedule.

Use that time to benefit yourself! Make a cup of coffee, sit on the porch to enjoy the sunshine, go for a run to get your body ready to focus or take your pup on a walk. The fresh air will do wonders for you and your new furry co-worker! No matter what you do with that time, just chose to make it beneficial for YOU.

Wash your face & put some mascara on.

Okay, now this idea seems even more insane, right? I said the same thing! But, I underestimated how this little thing could give me a boost in confidence, just a little pep in my step to get the day going, ya know? My mom always said to never leave the house without mascara, and it turns out I should wear it when I’m in the house too!

These trivial things are tasks that you probably don’t even think twice about doing on a normal work day, and are tasks that you probably don’t want to do while your working from the couch. But by doing them, you are keeping the normal a little closer to home & you will feel better about yourself by looking a little bit less like a zombie on your next Zoom conference call. **Insert hair flip emoji.**

FINALLY, yes, you guessed it. Make your bed.

Seriously, I am just going to get back in bed in a few hours or if you are anything like me, your desk IS your bed (Whoops.) So, why on earth would I make my bed? Definitely the most extreme concept when working from home, but it made such a difference in my day to day routine. It allowed me to start my day feeling like I accomplished something. Since I can’t conquer my commute or chat in the coffee room, at least having a made bed makes me feel a little bit more organized and put together in my work from home environment.

All in all, these changes are small but have made such a difference in my day to day life, and I hope they can do the same for you. So make your to do list, brush your teeth & remember to not walk your pup toooooo much (Indi isn’t too sure about more than 4 walks a day!) Soon, this will all be in the past and we will be able to laugh about the days we couldn’t do anything except binge watch Vanderpump Rules! See ya next week for PART 2!