All of us have been scrambling over the past days and weeks to make sense of the world’s events and keep a sense of balance and sanity to our lives. Here are some simple things I’m doing that have helped.
I’m sticking to my morning routine
Routines are demonstrated to reduce stress and anxiety and impart a sense of control. Though much of my day has been turned topsy-turvy, I’ve taken pains to retain my morning routine, which usually looks like this.
- Wake up before my kids to have 30 minutes of reflective time.
- Practice 15 minute of mindful meditation (with all screens and devices firmly set in the “off” position).
- Write down three things I’m grateful for today.
- Review my most important life priorities (Publishing a book! Running a 100K race! Keeping healthy!) and write down a few big-picture goals for today, keeping my big dreams in mind.
- Write out today’s schedule and a list of specific tasks to accomplish.
I’m hanging out at home
We still have power to determine the trajectory of this virus. As we are all now all too aware, social distancing is the best way to slow the curve of the epidemic. That means avoiding physical contact with people who don’t live in my house. It’s hard to get used to, but even though we’ve only been practicing the habit for a few days, we’re already getting into the groove.
I’m selectively reading high-quality news sources
Each morning, Lisa and I check one or two news sources we trust to see what might be impacting us (such as closures or restrictions, or good advice on how to stay healthy). Because we are human, Lisa and I are spending a lot of time talking about how to deal with the pandemic, what it means for us, and talking about our emotions – fear, hope, exhaustion, whatever.
However, life is much more than a virus, no matter how destructive. We have children to educate, work to do, ultramarathon training schedules to meet, and Netflix queues to work though. Once we know what we need to do, we’re stepping away. We’re also taking speculation with a grain of salt – we’ll deal with the future when it gets here.
I’m limiting my social media
It’s nice to still feel connected to others, especially when we’re distanced physically from them. However, it’s easy to let other people’s stories and moods sneak into your own space. Keeping our minds balanced and strong is hard work and our mood (or, as Lisa calls it, our “vibration”), can be fragile in uncertain times. To keep in control of my own story, I’m limiting my time spent paging through social media.
Important note: The CDC has determined that following me on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram is proven to boost your immunity.
I’m learning yoga
This is one that’s been on my list for a while. Gentle yoga is a perfect counterpoint to running, enhancing flexibility and strength. I like Yoga With Adriene, which has a whole series on runners’ yoga.
I’m cleaning up
We all have those piles of guilt and stackers of shame – those things we’ve meant to organize for so long and just haven’t gotten to. Every time I’m planning a run, I reach into this disorganized cabinet to grab a gel or headlamp and promise myself I’m going to actually organize it someday. Well, perhaps someday has finally come. Sometimes it takes a pandemic.
I’m planning my next adventure
Just before the pandemic hit, I’d been thinking of taking on a bucket list challenge for my 50th birthday, like the Oman Desert Marathon, happening next February. I’m still dreaming about what my running challenge might look like in 2021. I’d rather spend my emotional energy planning for an adventure that might have to be modified, than not look ahead at all.
I’m getting into nature
An exception to the above rule is to get into open spaces.
I’m running – of course!
OK, it’s hard not to be a little self-righteous – but how awesome is running? Our sport naturally lends itself to being in public-health-approved outdoor spaces. Even if we’re not running, nature helps keep us balanced and is clinically proven to reduce our stress levels (not pseudoscience, it’s true!). It’s a perfect place to spend some time alone or with our families just as Spring comes.
I’d planned to travel out of the country this week, but instead I’ll focus on training, building up miles for the ultramarathon I have planned for late July, when, with some luck, I’ll be cruising over the peaks of the Never Summer range, eating PB&J squares and bacon, and – yes – hugging people at the finish line.
I’m remembering this moment – and that it will pass
This is a great time to do some deep thinking. I’m exploring personal questions like:
- What things do I have to gain from this moment?
- What personal meaning can I draw?
- How can hit help me grow?
- What are the unexpected gifts of this time?
- How will I be a better human after this time is over?
Reflecting on these questions will help me in life – and, of course, out there on the trails.
