How to Get Back On Top of Your Routine and Enjoy Your Summer

The last year or so has been one filled with obstacles, adjustment periods, worries, and even loss. Thankfully the vaccine is helping people move forward with their lives, and the world is starting to go “back to normal.” 

Shopping centers and recreational facilities are opening their doors, travel is becoming an option again, kids are going back to in-person school, and people are returning to their office (and that dreaded commute). 

This new period of transition can feel like a lot to handle, so we’ve prepared a guide that can help you get back on top of your routine and enjoy your summer.

Get Organized Digitally

Gone are the days when you needed a pen and paper to write yourself reminders and grocery lists, schedule meetings on your calendar, or give detailed care instructions to a sitter or co-parent. Luckily we live in an age where this help can come virtually, and many of these digital tools already exist in the palm of your hand via phone apps.

From assigning daily chores to your kids to scheduling daily reminders for yourself, our blog post on virtual tools can be one of the first stepping stones to getting you and your family organized.

[Related: How Pepper’s Can Help Moms After the Pandemic]

Schedule Time for Nothing

With the world “opening back up” you might feel pressured to jump right back in where you left off. You may even be tempted to schedule more social events and visits with family and friends than ever before, but be careful. Overexerting yourself socially, and not allowing for any open time on your calendar can result in burn out. 

Be intentional with your calendar and block off chunks of time two weeks out so you can control the busyness. Take time to breathe between events, and do your best to balance out your work life, social outings, and some essential “me time,” as you ease back into normal life.

Continue to Keep Clean

When it comes to cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting, don’t throw your new habits out the window just because life is starting to go back to normal. Continue to pay more care and attention to keeping your home—especially germ-heavy areas like the kitchen, pet areas, and the bathroom—in good, clean condition. And remember: wash your hands, and stay home when you’re feeling sick!

[Related: Overcoming Stress – A Guide to Better Communication Within Your Home]

Understand You Went Through Trauma

Understand that this last year has been hard on you, and you’re experiencing the after-effects of mass trauma. BBC recognizes 2020 and the coronavirus pandemic as the first global mass trauma event since World War 2. Although the impact of the last year might be subtle, the pandemic has been detrimental on many people’s mental resilience. 

Be gentle with yourself and others during this time of recovery. Check in with your friends and family, especially your children to see how they are feeling. Consider talking to a therapist if you’re having difficulty expressing yourself or dealing with your stress in a healthy way. You’ll bounce back—but give yourself grace.

Ask For Help

Don’t be afraid to ask for help, now more than ever. It might take you a while longer to get back in the groove of things, such as in-person meetings and returning to the office, and you’re going to be out of the house more than you have been in the last year. 

A personal assistant can help cross some tasks off of your to-do list, take care of tedious errands, grocery shop and meal prep, and help you make the transition easier overall.

Schedule a Consultation With Pepper’s Personal Assistants

If you’re feeling overwhelmed trying to handle the adjustment of taking your kids to their extracurriculars, going back to the office, and everything else that comes with the world reopening, we understand and are here for you. A dedicated personal assistant can help you get back on top of your routine and have things running smoothly in no time. 

Eliminate some of that stress and set up a consultation with Pepper’s Personal Assistants today!