Out of Chaos an organizing newsletter

Which Corona-cation Habits Should We Keep?

New York is entering Phase 2. I’ve been dipping my toe back into work, keeping space between my clients and me, or sometimes working alone in apartments while clients are elsewhere. My life is still much slower than it was, but before it ramps all the way back up (if it ever does), I thought it was worth thinking about what habits I’ve developed during this shelter-at-home time that I’d like to retain, and which I could lose.

The main habit I’d like to keep is daily exercise. Though it’s not the same as running up and down subway stairs and walking across Central Park, it’s been a long time since I have done so many sit-ups, squats and jumping jacks. Usually, I do the 7-minute workout, occasionally rotating through my vintage “Washboard Abs” or “Callanetics,” neither of which take more than half an hour, so it ought to be easy to keep it up. And it feels good to do a little something every day.

Another habit I’ve gotten into is calling people in my life, particularly some of the older people. Somehow, in the recent years of hyper-busyness, and making plans by text and email, I’d spent less and less time actually talking to people on the phone. It’s different, and slower and I know it makes me feel more connected, and that’s good.

There are some habits I’d definitely like to change. We’ve been eating too much, and too much meat: It’s like Sunday dinner at the Walton’s every night. I’d also like to stop preparing three meals a day, every day, for my teenagers. They need to develop the habit of making their own breakfast. And lunch. Oh, and I’ve been drinking way, way too much coffee.

What good habits have you developed that you would like to maintain? Which ones do you need to eradicate? Game night with your kids should be a keeper. Second breakfast at 10 a.m. should probably stop.

Life may be uncertain for quite a while, but developing good habits and structuring your days is like an internal steadying mechanism. Good habits can help you ride whatever storms come your way, and make no mistake, I’m pretty sure this storm isn’t over yet.