Can you believe it? We’re here in September, heading into the autumn and for many people the start of a new term. Whether you have children or not, it is really easy for routines to go out of the window during the summer.
Holidays can mean disruption to exercise, healthy eating plans are a bit wobbly and even things like our usual domestic chores suddenly don’t take priority when the sun is shining and there are 101 other lovely things to do.
Getting back into a routine.
Getting back into routine – or even starting a new routine – can feel like a bit of an uphill struggle so here are five ideas to help you get back on track, feel less overwhelmed, and more in control this September.
- Be prepared. As the summer holidays end, schedule time in the diary and make a plan. Without an actual plan it’s very hard to remain focused. Sit down with a cup of tea, your diary and a blank sheet of paper and work out what the months ahead look like for you.
- While making your plan, jot down a list of priorities for between now and Christmas. Are there events you need to attend? Are there special or significant birthdays you need to remember? Do you have family visits that you need to prepare for in the run up until Christmas? By being aware of all these things puts you in a better headspace and gives you a rough idea of how you can pace yourself.
- Sacred weekends. Go through the diary and schedule out one weekend per month (or two weekdays if you’re a weekend worker) and make sure that these two days remains sacred. You don’t book anything, you don’t arrange anything, leave the space to catch up on your stuff. If something wonderful and spontaneous comes along, then you have the space to be able to say yes. The key to this is being really strict with yourself and not letting anything slip into the diary.
- Boring I know, but meal planning and food shopping organisation is a great way to get back into a routine. Take the time to go through cupboards, fridge, freezer and check your supplies. Work out what meals you’re going to make on each day of the week. Even if this is something that really doesn’t appeal to you long term, I thoroughly recommend it for the short term. Being able to know what you’re eating – and when – is a game changer and can really help you get back into a routine.
- Be kind to yourself. It’s easy to get consumed by the wants and needs of everyone else in the family and forget the things that you need and want to do too. Have you accounted for some time for you in your plan? What can you do to make that happen, particularly around Christmas when we can all feel a bit frazzled?
A plan for you!
Routine and structure can feel boring, but it’s also very comforting and can help lessen anxiety considerably. Work out your plan, put it in place and stick to it.
