I used to get up at 6:15 am, get ready for work, stop at the Starbucks drive though, pick up my coffee and head to work. I had a routine. It was comfortable and predictable. Now, that routine is gone.

Routines are important because they provide structure and predictability. The disruption to routine is a daily reminder of loss. The impact is significant. This loss has affected the way we worship, shop, exercise, eat, entertain ourselves and do life together. Most things in our lives have been altered. What results is a feeling of loss of safety, lack of control, unpredictability, insecurity and loss of personal freedom. Furthermore, our sense of who we are can be shaken.

On the positive side, the loss of routine has caused many of us to reprioritized our lives. All the disruptions have made us rethink how we spend our time. We are more grateful and appreciative of people and things. And for some, our spiritual lives have been reignited and awakened out of complacency.

On the negative side, you may feel sad, shaken, exhausted and even angry. You long for stability and normalcy. You want your routine back.

Given the potential to feel grief from the loss of routine, here are 5 ways to help you cope:

1. Pay attention to your feelings. Maybe journal, talk to a friend, and acknowledge what has changed and the effects those changes have had on you. Ignoring what has been lost will not help you move forward. It will keep you stuck.
2. Re-evaluate your coping skills. Think back on how you handled tough situations in the past. What worked? Can you bring those coping skills to this unique time? Or maybe you didn’t have good coping skills and need to develop this part of your life. Look for someone who could coach or mentor you in this area.
3. Focus on your relationships. During times of grief and loss, we need each other to heal. It is not good to isolate. Healing comes in community and interactions with others. Stay in touch with important people in your life. Make time to talk to friends, c0-workers and family. Good support is vital to your mental and spiritual health.
4. Develop your new routine. Even if it changes weekly, create a structure for your day. It is tempting to get caught up in all the news and predictions of doom and gloom. But if you spend too much time wondering what could happen, you won’t structure your day. Before you know it, the day is lost and you’ve accomplished little.
5. Problem-solve. If you have economic losses, look for strategies to recover and get advice. The Internet provides good resources, information on business loans, etc. Connect with resources that help you problem-solve financial and economic losses. If your relationships are conflictual or dissolving, get help through Telehealth. Call hotlines and get in touch with professional services if you need more help. If your losses are spiritual, reconnect with an on-line church or small group meeting. Bottom line, don’t be passive. Take steps to rebound or fix existing problems.

During this time, we are experiencing stress that is chronic, uncertain and unpredictable. This is the most difficult kind of stress to face. But in the middle of all the disruptions, grieve, feel, problem-solve and keep moving forward. Rebuild routine into your life where and when you can. It will help bring a feeling bring a little stability back to your life.