How To Redesign Your Routine For The New Abnormal

The pandemic has permanently changed the rhythms of life and work, and GQ wellness columnist Joe Holder says it's now on you to create the habits you need to thrive.

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IT'S BEEN MORE THAN two years since the pandemic upended daily life. And if you've been waiting for your job (and the rest of your routine) to settle into a new, post-pandemic normal, you're disappointed, right? Because there's no longer a consensus around what normal even means. Some people love working from home. Others hate it. One thing that is absolutely clear? The default 9-to-5 is never coming back, and it's now on you to buckle down on what you can control and figure out your own best daily routine.

I'm aiming this piece at all of you who are entering a hybrid part-time office life, but this advice applies to anyone dealing with uncertainty at work. That's something I've had to learn to navigate myself: Even before the pandemic, my work life-and my life-life, frankly-was hectic. I'm always on the road. I'm linking up with clients when and where they have time to work out. It's rare that I have a “normal” day. But I've learnt that instead of relying on anything external for stability, I can use routines to ground me in the midst of the chaos. And no matter what you do for a living, this can help you, too.

DON'T START WITH YOUR PHONE

The morning is often the phase of the day when you have the most control. You've just slept and cleared some space in your mind. Don't rush to fill it with news or Instagram Reels or emails and Slacks. Some people leave their phones in another room, but that doesn't work in a hotel. So I just put mine on airplane mode before I go to sleep.