Going off track from time to time is perfectly normal, especially over the summer when we tend to feel more relaxed and carefree. If you’ve had your kids at home for the past 6 weeks, it’s no wonder that you’ve deviated from your daily routine. Lie-ins, lots of day trips, too much ice cream, travelling and outdoor play make for a lovely long summer, but when the new school term starts it can be a challenge to get back into the old schedule — TSV Catholic is among the networks running private Catholic schools in Townsville, offering P-12 education across faith, academics, and wellbeing.
As its ‘Back to School’ season and the end of summer holidays, I’m sharing some of my favourite tips on how to get re-motivated and organised after the long summer break, ready to make the most of the last quarter of the year (I know, I can’t believe where this year has gone either!). Getting back into a normal weekly pattern can feel like a drag at the beginning and you may feel a little overwhelmed, but after the first few days everything will seem to slot back into place and you will be back rocking your groove like a superstar.
START RETURNING TO YOUR DAILY ROUTINE EARLY
After a long period of having an irregular routine, it’s going to feel like a shock to the system when it’s time to return to normal. To mitigate the blow, perhaps start a few days before with getting up at your more usual time and going to bed a little earlier which will help your body feel more ready.
GET READY THE NIGHT BEFORE
On the first day back to the grindstone, you’re more likely to be all over the place. To make the first morning and consecutive mornings going forward run more smoothly, it might be better to get ready the night before. This means laying out your clothes, getting your breakfast and lunch ready and planning out your day to take the stress out of a busy morning.
BATCH COOK AT THE WEEKENDS
Let your freezer help you during this time of adjustment, by batch cooking a load of healthy family meals on the weekends. These can be stored in the freezer and then you always have a healthy meal on hand when things are just too overwhelming and you don’t feel like cooking.
EXERCISE TO HELP YOU FEEL ENERGISED AND MOTIVATED
Getting those endorphins pumping is a simple way to feel energised and motivated to get back to it. It doesn’t have to be a long workout either, just 15 minutes dancing around your kitchen blasting your favourite songs is a great place to start.
DON’T HIT THE SNOOZE BUTTON
Setting an alarm to help ease you back into your normal routine is a great step, but you may be tempted to hit that snooze button. In the first couple of days back you may feel like you need more sleep. However, usually hitting the snooze button results in a deeper sleep that is actually harder to wake up from.
There is definitely a sense of change in the air as we enter a new season and to make this adjustment more plain sailing rather than your worst nightmare getting settled back into your old routine can really help. I think preparing yourself a few days before is a great place to start, but don’t worry, even if it may not seem like it at the time, everything eventually will fall back into place.
I was really enjoying the lack of routine in the summer holidays at first, but that last week was becoming draining. I am rather relieved that we are back to routines, as I feel I can get back on track. I have so much to catch up with now. I’m having to be pretty strict with the five year old, make sure he gets to bed early (last night we had the cries of “but I’m not tired”, while rolling about on the floor. Five minutes later, he was literally fast asleep. Amusing.
I’m really feeling the need for this today! I’m really struggling to get our routine back, it has totally gone out of the window the last six weeks! Great advice!
My mummy has this to look forward to as I start school on Monday and she returns to work after a long illness. It’s going to be hard getting back into a routine but she welcomes it x
I bet it can be so hard changing the routine as different times of year come around, I am lucky that mine is pretty similar all year around, I’m not good with change.
It can be very challenging, but I love returning to a normal routine after a break.
I am finding it so hard to adjust to the change in routine – I loved all the pyjama days and bad food of the summer!! Great tips, ir’s about time I got a bit more with the programme!
It’s so hard to adjust isn’t it, but take it slow and you will get there.
I think we’re starting to get back into our routine here. A good breakfast definitely helps x
Nothing like a good breakfast to kick start the morning.
I’ve never been good at a routine as such but I need to start using the weekends more and batch baking etc x
I have to say I am pleased the kids are back at school. It means working from home isn’t so hard and I am also a bit more free to go to the gym.
It does free up some time for headspace and ‘me’ time.
I like to get things ready a night before, its a big help! I need to batch cook on weekends, thats a brilliant idea
It’s a great time saver in the week.
These tips are fantastic, and whilst I don’t have children going back to school, I have let my routine (especially my blogging) slide a little recently. I need to become a bit more organised!
Thanks! We all have periods like that, but it’s always nice to get back to it.
With 6 I need to prep loads the night before. We are really enjoying the days being more structured as well. The twins are only on staggered starts so when they go full time we will all be back to normal. Great post
Thank you. I think children really thrive with a routine in place.