We all know this year has been a lot. A true journey. It’s forced us to shift our day to day lives in dramatic ways and recently I was thinking about the new habits I’ve adopted that otherwise wouldn’t have happened without the year that has been 2020. So today I’m sharing some new routines and hobbies started a la quarantine, and also sharing some hilarious reader responses to the same question I asked on Instagram this week!
Start Morning Work Outs // I’ve talked about our Peloton a few times on the blog, but I must say I don’t know if I would have survived without it this year. Since my morning commute is no longer, I need to move in the morning to wake up my body and brain. I now get on the bike everyday before starting work. Even if it’s just a quick 10 minute class, it’s SOMETHING that signifies it’s time to wake up. I was always an evening work-out gal pre-2020, usually opting for a 5:30 class after work, so I don’t know if I would have switched to a morning routine without this year.
Buy an Alarm Clock // Like most people, I’ve been using my phone as my alarm for years. But, quarantine (and the election) made my in-bed scrolling habit reallllly awful. Before falling asleep or when I woke up, I would lay there and scroll scroll scroll. So, I bought an alarm clock and now leave my phone in the kitchen when I go to bed. Game changer.
Become an Avid List Maker // There was a point during my work-from-home journey this year that I was struggling. Not with getting my job done, but with looking up at 5pm and thinking, “wait, did I even go outside today??” So now, I make a list every night for the next day. Morning work out, take Potsie on a walk, breakfast, shower, meetings, 20 minutes for lunch, afternoon Potsie potty break, etc. By crossing off each item, no matter how small, I feel like it genuinely adds value and accomplishment to my days. Then I can look at my list at the end of the day and remind myself that even though my work-life boundaries are blended, I am still getting things done.
Run Every Saturday // I really have my friend and co-worker Lacey to thank for this, but I was NOT a runner before 2020. I can’t even say that I really love it now (I don’t), BUT we have run every Saturday together since April, typically followed by a stop at a bakery or coffee shop for something to-go to treat ourselves. I genuinely look forward to it and am proud of myself for not quitting!
Have a Nail Appointment with Myself Once a Week // It’s 2020 and I am my own nail tech. I haven’t indulged in a professional mani or pedi since February, but I have gotten SO GOOD at doing my own nails. Why bother, you ask? I think because I rarely wear make-up, am wearing a mask in public and just don’t getting very dressed up anymore, I want my fingers and toes to look good! I gotta have SOMETHING pretty to look at, ya know? So, I typically do my nails every Sunday and have a whole system down. Soak my fingers, trim my cuticles, file, buff, paint. Spa Jaclyn, open for business.
Make Morning Lattes // This probably goes without saying, because if you follow me on Instagram you know I’m latte and foamy oatmilk obsessed. Yes, I am my own barista and I love it. Coffee is 90% of my motivation to get out of bed in the morning and I recently upgraded my foaming game to the Nespresso frother. It’s amazing.
And now for some great reader responses to the question “What did quarantine make you do?”
- “Wear house dresses”
- “Start meditation”
- “Order way too much take-out” (same here, same here)
- “Binge eat in my closet after kids are in bed. I call it my ‘mom party’”
- “Only wash my hair twice a week and LOVE it! And no more blow drying.”
- “Buy a 2-person sauna for our basement” (this made me laugh out loud. So curious about this!)
- “Learn to play the ukulele”
- “Buy a sewing machine I never used”
- “I went through a phase where I tie-dyed everything”
- “Buy a Lego set”
- “Adopt a dog! Best part of our quarantine!”
I loved this. Thank you!