With the spread of the Coronavirus, it’s not just the world that’s being flipped upside down — it’s every person’s life that’s being switched up. Shelter in place, social distancing, working from home, and online school are the big things we think about, but every little thing is being changed, all the way down to our daily morning routines …

Normal School Morning Routine: 

1. My alarm goes off at 6:45 am. Then again at 6:50 am. Then again at 6:55 am. And then after none of those alarms wake me up, my Mom comes angrily storming into my room to wake me for school. 

• My morning routine for school is absolutely chaotic. It’s like an endless race, and entering first period is the only time I have successfully crossed the finish line — that is of course if I actually make it to first period on time … 
• Finally, I roll out of bed, and with my eyes half shut, I make my bed. Then I stumble to the bathroom, usually tripping over my kitten because I’m up before the sun, so there’s no light in the hallway. 

2. By the time I finally make it to the bathroom I put in my contact lenses, brush my teeth, do my hair, put on some concealer and on the rare occasion that I’m a little less tired, I’ll maybe put on some mascara to complete the look.

3. After the bathroom outing, I head back to my room to pick out an outfit. This is the tricky part of the morning. I have a closet full of clothes and nothing to wear! Thoughts race through my head as I look for an outfit of the day: 

• Is it a jeans day? Do I wanna dress comfy? Maybe joggers? I have PE today, so should I just wear leggings? But no, I wore leggings two days ago…  does this scrunchie match my outfit? Oh no, I can’t wear that, I don’t have matching shoes. 
• By the time I finish debating my outfit choices in my own head, I’m already late for breakfast. Looks like leggings and a sweatshirt will have to be the final look. 

4. After tip-toeing down the stairs, trying not to wake anyone, I head to the cabinet for the second hardest part of the morning: picking a cereal.

• Cinnamon Toast Crunch? Corn Pops? Cocoa Puffs? The options are endless. Finally, I choose, but it’s never the same pick as the day before. Being original is key. 
• I quickly shovel in the food, making sure to let my kitten lick the extra milk at the bottom of the bowl. This is the part where I usually glance at the clock and realize I’m behind schedule. I have 10 minutes to get to first period and I’m still sitting in my kitchen.

5. The true chaos in the morning is the drop-off line. 

• Seniors HATE when parents take over their lane. 
• For the third time in the morning thoughts race through my head: If I have Chemistry first period I’m doomed, but if I have Gym, I should be able to make it. And if not, maybe I can convince my teacher to mark me on time
• The bell usually rings as I enter the doors of my first-period class.

6. Again, morning chaos makes me stressed, but like usual I stroll in just on time. Simple as can be.

Online Learning Morning Routine: 

1. I wake up when I want

• No alarms. No screaming Mom. The bright sun usually wakes me up at around 10, maybe 11. It doesn’t really make a difference. 
• Of course, the next step is to make my bed, but not before blasting my favorite song.

2. Next, I cheerily head to the bathroom, nice and refreshed from a good night’s sleep. 

• All I have to do is brush my teeth. Contact lenses seem like too much work, so glasses will do.

3. All that’s left is my commute to school. 

• My “school” awaits me downstairs at the kitchen table, so the commute isn’t too bad. Opening my laptop for my first class is usually around the time that I notice I’m still wearing the same sweatpants from two days ago … but hey, who cares?! My teachers on google meets can only see my face.