Readjusting to the “New Normal”

So after almost two years of a literal plague, it seems like we are finally starting to see the light as businesses begin to re-open, kids begin returning to school and travel resumes. If you are anything like me, although this is relieving, it is also taking a huge toll on your mental health. To go from seeing no one or only the people in your household for over a year to now being thrusted back into the world, it can be pretty jarring and overwhelming. Personally, I have adjusted to this by setting a weekly routine for myself that I can rely on, one that gives me a balanced amount of time to myself, time to work and time to be social. The pandemic truly made me a homebody and pushed me to really fall in love with my alone time and I don't want to lose that now that things are “returning to normal.”

For those of us who have the luxury of now having a permanent or hybrid work set-up, it is important to take advantage of that flexibility and find a balance that leaves us well rested, fulfilled and productive. As Black women, we often forget to give ourselves grace and allow ourselves that time to rest and if this pandemic has taught us anything, it is that life is short and precious and we should spend time on the things that actually matter, and that is YOU! Find and set a routine for yourself that will keep you grounded, and allows time for you to pour into yourself in whatever ways you may need. As your schedule fills up and you begin spending more time dealing with people, remember that it is okay to need time to yourself, it is okay to not spend every moment of free time working and it is okay to not be okay!

-Aleisha Baker