The pandemic, along with the restrictions it brought, has completely upended our daily existence. While some viewed self-isolation as a welcome break from constant social interaction, the majority find it distressing—even when working from home. Struggling to adjust to these new realities often triggers anxiety, procrastination, and friction with household members. Establishing consistent habits can provide a crucial anchor during these turbulent times.
In an 1892 lecture, William James observed, “There is no more miserable human being than one in whom nothing is habitual but indecision.” With the enforcement of strict social-distancing rules, countless individuals found themselves thrust into that very predicament.
Disrupting established routines means losing the ability to coast through large portions of the day on autopilot. Consequently, tasks that once took an hour or less—showering, dressing, eating breakfast—now stretch until midday. And matters only deteriorate from there. As Honoré de Balzac wrote in 1830, “the days melt in their hands like ice under the sun.”
For some, this break from the usual schedule brought relief, but most were caught off guard. That reaction is entirely understandable.
Habits do more than simply automate everyday chores (freeing up mental energy); they also draw clear lines between work and personal life. For individuals prone to emotional fluctuations, routines help regulate feelings, preventing anxiety, irritation, and laziness from taking over.
By discovering an activity that fully engages their attention, many can organically develop a new daily rhythm—one that likely suits them better than any externally imposed schedule. Change itself can be invigorating.
As new habits take shape, let’s take a moment to pause and reflect on what’s unfolding.
The world today feels strange and, at times, frightening. The instinct to escape uncertainty by reverting to old routines or crafting new ones is perfectly natural. Yet living minute by minute leaves little room for introspection, whereas uncertainty may actually encourage us to rethink how we live.
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