This new way of life that we have adapted due to COVID-19 may be causing us to feel the days go by faster and everything meshing together. The concept of time and schedule just has completely gone out the window for some. A good way to combat this is through creating a healthy, well balanced structured routine for work and play.
With a little planning and creativity, the whole family can get back on track and maybe even thrive during these troubling times. Continue reading for some pandemic friendly family weekend or weekday routine ideas to add to your life.
Fundamentals of the routine
Throughout this pandemic, I have been and continuously recommending many to maintain a schedule in order to bring back structure and ordinance into our lives. During this difficult time, it is vital that we aim to limit chaos and have some things stable. Examples of this, is getting up and taking a shower and changing clothes, not watching any type of negative news media or disturbing UTUBE videos are just a few.
With all of this being said, a routine should include times that are dedicated for educational, physical, personal, and resting activities. A routine should also take into account every family member’s likes and dislikes, as well as what each member considers an activity to being their respective category, such as mom considering reading outside personal time versus a teenager considering that as a resting activity. I also highly recommend slightly tweaking daily routines to prevent repetition and from being too mundane. If you find that you are bored with your routine, switch it up some. Routines should also refrain from relying on technology too much.
It is also important to note to get specific when making a routine. Make sure to make general time frames for meals, personal hygiene, and clean up in order to not overlook these necessities. Also, instead of dividing each activity in large time blocks, make the day into short, manageable chunks.
Activities you can incorporate
A little creativity goes a long way, but if you’re finding ways to fill up your days difficult, feel free to start incorporating some of the activities listed below.
Go for a walk or bike around the neighborhood
create a cleanup game and assign roles or rooms to everyone while timing them
look into Virtual Field Trips
participate in arts and crafts
read together and discuss
Play hide and seek throughout the house
cook or bake together
play family board games
An example of a routine
Below you can find a sample schedule that you could adapt for your family and / or adjust to fit you and your family best.
As mentioned before, when properly executed and implemented, routines can be highly beneficial for all members of the family during this Coronavirus pandemic. feel free to let me know if you have created a weekend or weekday routine for your family and the comments below and what activities you’ve Incorporated.
Resources: “A new routine: activities for family fun at home during the COVID-19 Outbreak” by Le Bonheur