For years, my husband, Mike, has gone to Panera Bread almost every day for coffee and breakfast.
When he was working full time, he usually spent an hour so at Panera before heading to the university in Denver where he was a professor.
When he semi-retired five years ago, we moved to Iowa and Mike decided to continue going to Panera every day.
Our morning routine was that he would leave around 7:30 or so for Panera and I would have coffee at home at our kitchen table. We called Panera his “office.”
Since his “office” is temporarily closed due to the coronavirus, we came up with an idea to create Panera at home. We brought a small table up from the basement and put it in the bedroom beside a large window.
I brought in a spare coffee pot that I set up on top of my dresser. Now each morning, I make coffee in that one plus my pot in the kitchen and he heads to his “office” for coffee. He usually puts on his headset and listens to music while he reads the newspaper on his computer and does his online teaching work. It has felt nice to keep some of our routine in place.
In fact, when he’s ready to start his coffee, we do a nice long hug and say “I love you” the same way we always have and then he “leaves” for work. It’s been a great plan and has worked out really well for us.
Keep things normal
During this challenging time of dealing with the coronavirus, unless you are ill, I encourage you to normalize as many things as you can. Even if you are confined to your home, still follow a routine that is similar to your regular life. Here are a few things to keep in place:
- Get dressed every morning. No living in pajamas all day.
- Fix yourself up. Wash your hair, if you typically wear make-up, put that on like usual. Make an effort to look nice.
- Eat regular meals and snacks but avoid restless grazing during the day. If you can buy groceries, keep a stock of fruits and vegetables on hand.
- Do some exercise every day. If you’re able to get outdoors, walk, run or ride a bike. If that’s not an option, look for online classes you can use to exercise in your home. Consider learning yoga or Pilates.
- If you have stairs, go up and down them many times. One lady told me she’s walking laps around her car in the garage.
Minimize the damage
Here’s a brief excerpt from Day 86, in my book 100 Days of Weight Loss:
“If you leave your children with a babysitter, you don’t forget you have kids. In the same way, going off your diet doesn’t mean you can forget you have one. Instead of giving up when you’re faced with difficult times, stay on your plan by using the simple phrase, “Minimize the damage!“
Even when you slip up on your plan, you can still reach for your skills and decrease the amount of damage you allow to happen.
During times when you can’t seem to resist temptation, pull out any tools that will help you get back in control–sit on your hands, leave the room, brush your teeth, or even throw out the rest of the food. By taking action right away, you can stop a few bites from becoming a binge.”
Stay focused
Do everything in your power to stay healthy and strong during this challenging time. One of the best ways to do this is to stay focused on your self care and your long-term goals.
If you haven’t joined my new program, “Elevate Your Success,” sign up today. This online plan send you an email every day for an entire year. With this program, you’ll receive the entire text of both 100 Days of Weight Loss books delivered to your inbox, one lesson at a time.
You’ll also get special articles and videos in between the lessons. It’s like having me as your personal coach in your own home or even your car. Click here or on the image below, sign up today and start getting a virtual hug from me every single day, even if you’re stuck in your home.
