It's that time: Set routines that will make life easier

Where did the summer go? I cannot believe we are back to school and gearing up for autumn.

Often, we forsake our routines in the good old summertime. We stay up late; we get up earlier and go on vacation.

Whether or not we have children returning to school, we all will likely need to set a more scheduled routine in the fall, winter and early spring. There is nothing wrong with this. The Bible specifies that having set times for specific purposes is healthy (Psalms 5:3; 143:8; Daniel 6:10).

Now that we have established that it is good to have a routine let’s consider returning to it. Below are some thoughts to help us return to a school schedule or daily routine.

Establishing a daily routine that accommodates homework, extracurricular activities, family time and downtime is crucial. Remember, the key is flexibility. Allow yourself and your child the time to adapt to this new routine (Ecclesiastes 3:1-11; Ephesians 5:15-17).

Get enough sleep: setting a reasonable bedtime and gradually transitioning back into a school sleep schedule is essential. The transition is significant if you enjoy late nights or sleeping in during summer. Remember, a well-rested mind is productive (Psalm 127:2; Matthew 11:29-30).

Wake up at the right time: set your alarm and follow your morning routine. It is easy to hit the ‘snooze’ and lay in bed for five more minutes; likewise, it’s easy for these five more minutes to turn into an hour. Then, you start your day hurriedly, and the rest of the day might seem out of balance. Do not merely wake up on time; get out of bed on time (Romans 13:11; Ephesians 5:14).

Organize your space: clean your study area and make sure you have the necessary supplies. I do not perform and achieve when my creative area is cluttered, and my creativity often dwindles when my workspace is untidy (Psalm 51:7; Matthew 23:26).

Limit screen time: set boundaries around the use of electronics. Screen time limits apply to adults as well. I am more productive when I limit my screen time, especially since much of an adult’s work is done before a screen (Philippians 4:5).

Plan meals: prepping for healthy meals ahead of time is essential. We all get caught off guard and end up at the fast-food joint occasionally, but too much of this leads to unhealthy eating patterns. If you might be off schedule one day, plan to carry some healthy snacks so you do not have to settle for the fast-food joint (Ecclesiastes 9:7).

Make time to play: plan activities and outings to help keep your mind active. A contemporary saying that has been around since 1659 is: “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.” God has designed us not to stay too long in one place; we need to keep active; otherwise, we will become less productive (Exodus 34:21; Deuteronomy 1:7; Philippians 3:13-14).

As we approach this time of year, when we will likely need to set a routine schedule, I hope the topics and Scripture references will help us do just that. With some forethought, the cold months can be just as rewarding as the warm ones.