New Routines

Someone asked me recently how many books I’ve read lately. The answer is at least 25 since April started. It seems like a lot, and maybe it’s a handful more books than I would have read in the past four and a half months if my routine hadn’t been disrupted. When all of our routines were disrupted and navigating the world changed indefinitely.

I didn’t answer their question that way when they asked. I laughed and said probably a few, but that I didn’t know. It wasn’t until today, when the question popped back into my head that I was curious enough to count. Even then, it’s a best guess and that’s enough for me. 

I don’t actually care that I’ve read that many books. What matters to me is that it’s been an enjoyable way to spend some of my time. I would read anyway, pandemic or not. I like to read a little bit every day, usually just a chapter or two in one sitting. And it’s only when Harry Potter has sucked me in that I’ve recently spent hours curled up with a book.

Thinking about the time I’ve spent reading, I started thinking about these last few months. I started thinking about how life has changed in general. Sure, there are a few things I really miss, like traveling without worry. It would have been nice to not cancel that trip to Oregon and Montana, but so many things have been cancelled for so many people that I don’t dwell on it. It just is what it is, and that’s okay.

The longer I’ve been in this new routine, the more patient I feel about getting back to the things I miss. I’m fine waiting because I’m content with the way life is right now too. This year has been a weird, weird year and it’s not at all what any of us expected. I’ve said this before, but focusing on the negatives has never been much of my thing. So the question I’ve felt bouncing around my brain is: what about my life has changed for the better these past few months?

I feel healthier than I have for probably years.

I didn’t feel unhealthy before. But I didn’t realize how much better it would feel to drink more water, drink less coffee, prepare most of my food at home, and almost always get at least seven hours of sleep. My new routines have meant actually figuring out strength training that works for me and running more miles. My enjoyment of running was already rejuvenated years ago, but these last few months I’ve felt myself wanting to do more than log a few easy miles every day. Routine might sound boring, but I’m finding mine incredibly exciting.

I’ve read a wider variety of books than I would have otherwise.

With some extra time to read, I haven’t been as particular about which book I pick up next. Before the pandemic, I was reading two or three non-fiction books I could learn from for every one work of fiction. I felt like I should always use my time reading productively. Instead of thinking that way, I’ve just been reading whatever I feel like reading next, teen novels included. I like it, and I think I’ll continue to be less judgmental of my own book selections.

The time I spend with other people feels more quality than before.

We’ve remained careful with limiting our social circles and activities all summer. There have been a few exceptions where we have seen people we don’t live near, but mostly our time with others has been spent outside with the same five people we usually see. I used to spend about half my time with our friends frustrated that I had made the effort to be there. I would sit there watching what felt like everyone staring at their phones, silently fuming that I had cut my run short or not gone at all to be there. Now, phones magically remain in pockets or lay forgotten on a table while we all enjoy each other’s company.

I feel more creative. And curious.

Maybe it’s reading more fiction or having more time to just sit and let my mind wander, but I feel more creative. Usually I feel like it takes me a while to figure out some project I’d like to work on. Not these past few months. One day I decided I wanted new front porch furniture, so I build it myself out of scrap wood in the garage. There have been so many other little projects like that. We’ve even rigged a way to watch movies in our backyard at night, and I’ve been writing every day.

I’m spending less. But more importantly, I am wasting less money.

When I was rarely home, a lot of my meals and coffees were carry out. You’d be somewhere and you’d spend a few dollars without even thinking about it. I’m not a big shopper though, so most of the money I usually spend is on travel related things. Without being able to travel as freely or as comfortably, and without so many meals out, my wallet has remained mostly closed. When I do spend money, it feels more intentional in what I buy and who I am choosing to support with my purchase. 

And lastly, I’m drinking less alcohol. And eating more ice cream.

The first week or two that the pandemic kicked up in earnest, I think I was drinking a little more than I usually do. That didn’t last long though, and I wouldn’t say that I drink much or all that often. But without going out to eat, I’m drinking less. It’s also because I am eating more ice cream and I don’t often mix ice cream and beer. Eating ice cream feels like the best way I can support Ben & Jerrys right now. And with all the other things I’m not eating or drinking, I’m good with increasing my ice cream intake to support them.