Lets just say what we all know is true: things are not normal right now and things wont look remotely normal for months to come. The coronavirus pandemic shows no signs of slowing down as we inch toward a cold winter.

Normal days are something that many took for granted before all of this. Lindsey McKernan , an associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences professor at Tennessees Vanderbilt University Medical Center, said the constants in our world create a rhythm for our day and ultimately build normalcy around us. And right now, the constants that we once knew are gone.

When things are normal ... you dont have to put as much cognitive energy into anticipating whats next because its the rhythm of the day, McKernan said. Were having to put so much additional cognitive effort into whats going on throughout the day.

This additional cognitive effort contributes to increased stress levels across society, McKernan said. Establishing a sense of normalcy can help reduce the cognitive burden of the day and allow us to feel more in control of our own days.

But how exactly can we do that right now? Below, experts offer some of their best advice for creating a sense of normalcy as we continue through this far from normal time.

1. Establish a routine for yourself.

When were in a period of heightened stress, we are grounded by routine, McKernan said.

Thats why, in regular times, you might feel off if you go to bed later than usual or if you skip your weekend run. This year has been one huge version of that. There are many changes altering our normal routines.

McKernan said fighting those limitations that are now part of our day-to-day lives only adds to the struggle. Instead, we should embrace our current reality so we can appropriately respond and plan.

The first thing when thinking about establishing a routine right now is redefining what that means and accepting that our sense of normal isnt necessarily where we want it to be and thats OK. We have to work to intentionally re-establish a sense of routine, she said.

McKernan recommended looking at four major things in order to adjust your routine: how youre sleeping, how youre eating, if youre moving and to what extent you are able to socialize. Which of those areas could use some extra attention? (Maybe its all of them, which is understandable.) Start building your routine around those pillars.

That could look like going to bed and waking up at the same time each day. You may also want to try meal prepping as if you still needed to bring food into the office for lunch during the week. Maybe its calling your friend every Friday afternoon while youre on a walk, or planning a cocktail night every weekend with your roommate. Whatever the case may be, build in small habits you can come to expect and make them something you can execute regularly.