The importance of maintaining routines while under quarantine

Since the outbreak of the virus that causes COVID-19, maintaining a daily routine has become more difficult for many people in the United States, mainly since the mandatory stay-at-home order is now in effect. The impact of the virus is widespread — while people are encouraged to hunker down at home, the temporary closure of nonessential businesses have left many people unemployed. Everyone is struggling to adjust to this new quarantine lifestyle, especially students. 

Like many other schools in the U.S., San Francisco State University is now fully online for the remainder of the semester. Through these major changes, I have personally felt a shift in my routine and productivity level, because I am not able to attain them as I normally would. 

In a recent article published by the New York Times, Dr. Russell G. Buhr noted the importance of preserving a sense of normalcy for one’s well-being. “Maintaining a routine … like getting up and getting dressed and doing what you usually do, can positively affect mental health,” Buhr said.

As part of my on-campus routine, I would purchase a bagel sandwich and iced coffee before my morning classes. Though this wasn’t a pivotal part of my routine, it was something I enjoyed and gave me energy for the long school day ahead. It was not until the shelter-in-place order was put into effect that I realized that it was the small things I did daily that I missed the most.

Simply making an at-home version of a breakfast sandwich I was used to having before class brings a sense of comfort. I am able to take an aspect of my normal life and incorporate it now despite the current circumstances.

Since the lock down, feeling mentally stuck is normal. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has stressed the importance of taking breaks from looking at all the news surrounding the virus and instead giving yourself time to do the things you enjoy. Being informed about the ongoings of the virus is crucial, but constantly checking for updates can be overwhelming.

These unpredictable times cause many of us to worry and feel lost. It’s the little things that people can adopt whilst being at home like sticking to routines and doing things that bring any amount of joy. This will make transitioning back when the lockdown is over much smoother. 

 

Below is a recipe for a bacon, egg and cheese breakfast sandwich:

 

Ingredients: 

-1 egg 

-Splash of milk

-Cream cheese 

-Bagel of choice 

-Sliced cheese of choice 

-Bacon 

-Seasonings (Everything but the bagel, red chili flakes and black pepper) 

 

Steps:

  1. Crack egg into a bowl and pour a splash of milk and seasonings to taste. 
  2. Cut the bagel in half and spread cream cheese on both sides. 
  3. Cook bacon and set to the side. 
  4. Keep a tablespoon or so of bacon fat in the pan and add in the egg mixture. Dip the outer side of the bagel into the egg and flip immediately. 
  5. Add sliced cheese to both sides and place bacon back onto the sandwich. 
  6. Cap the bagel sandwich and press down with a spatula to melt cheese fully and get a crispier exterior. 
  7. Cut in half, serve and enjoy!