Got Ritual?

I’ve been working from home for 17 years. I was a freelance writer and copy writer (and stay at home mom) before I got published. I know how hard it is to work from home, especially with a kiddo underfoot.

So today’s post is some of my top tips for avoiding cabin fever.

If you haven’t figured me out by now, I’m not really one for routines. I prefer rituals, instead. The difference is more than semantics. Routines can be set aside, but rituals are sacred and need to be honored. Regardless of which word you prefer, you need something to keep you from losing your mind.

Here’s my ideal morning ritual. I say “ideal” because I usually get some mix of these done, but it’s only when I’m super-virtuous that I get all of them done before I check social media. I usually roll out of bed at 7:30 or 8am.

• Drink some water. A lot of us wake up dehydrated and then pour coffee on top of it. Starting with a glass of water helps. Lately, I’ve been putting Emergen-C into my glass because … pandemic and all. Either way, hydrate, fool.

• Pour myself a big cup of coffee and take it to my office. If it’s a good day, the desk is clear and I can focus right on my work. Otherwise, I try to straighten it up so I can focus.

• Light a candle. This has long-been my signal to myself that it’s time to start my day. I keep several candles on my desk so that I can pick the one that matches my mood.

• Meditate. I have been doing Biddy Tarot’s Major Arcana Meditation class lately. This gets me a good 20 minute guided meditation. But you can just do five minutes of mindful breathing. Just get yourself present for a little bit.

• Write. This is either morning pages or about an hour of fiction writing.

• Exercise. Throw a podcast or audiobook on and walk on the treadmill for 45 minutes.

• Eat a healthy breakfast. Oatmeal is my go-to, but sometimes I do a scoop of protein powder mixed with frozen fruit and almond milk.

Usually by this time of day, my teenager has woken from his preternatural slumber. That means it’s time to switch to homeschool. When i get all of this done in the morning, I can move through the rest of my day knowing I prioritized my priorities. No matter what else comes up I’ve exercised, written and done good things for my mental health.

I do have to admit that I can be bad about waking up and getting on my phone first thing. These days are usually the ones where I get sidetracked and don’t get every part of my ritual done.

Your ritual might be different depending on the time you have available (young kids wake earlier) and your priorities. Hell, when my son was a baby, the only ritual I could manage was getting a shower in every day. But it kept me feeling human, so it was pretty damned important. Back then, I also wrote during naps and after he went to bed.

The point is that having some structure to your day will help you weather being stuck inside. The next few weeks aren’t going to be easy on anyone, but having some plans in place will make you feel more in control and help manage anxiety.

If you’re looking for other ideas for creating your own ritual in the morning, check out The Morning Miracle for Writers by Hal Elrod.

Also, if you’re interested, I’m planning on hosting some write-ins over the next few weeks. If you’re interested in joining in, let me know in comments. Once I have details ironed out, I’ll let you know the info!

One more thing: If you find yourself feel hopeless, please get away from the news and reach out to someone. High anxiety plus isolation is not good on the old brain. We’ll get through this, and we’ll have to do it together.

Take care, friends.

Do you have any rituals? Share them in comments!