The back-to-school period can often be a source of stress and adjustments. However, with a few simple tips, you can regain control of your routine and approach this time of year with peace of mind. Here are five tips to help you get back into your rhythm smoothly:
1. Establish a routine
Having a regular schedule allows for better organization of time and eliminates stress. By planning when you get up, go to bed, times dedicated to physical activity, meals, social activities and others, you ensure you have the time you need to accomplish your daily obligations while reserving time for your passions. .
- Set goals and make a list of things you want to accomplish in the short and long term.
- Set priorities. This way, you will avoid neglecting certain urgent activities. Your time will be allocated strategically and you will know where to invest more time and energy.
- Organize your diary. Separate each day into time slots. Include morning and evening routine, meals, work, leisure, etc. You will then be able to redistribute your tasks and activities at the appropriate time of the day. A diary is an essential tool for organizing time, it gives an overview. Use it as a dashboard!
- Be realistic. Keep some free time. These will help you recharge your batteries by taking time for yourself. Unforeseen events can sometimes happen that force you to move activities and adapt your schedule. By having free periods, it will be much easier for you to be flexible.
- Stay disciplined. In order to stay disciplined, there are tools like scheduling apps, to-do lists, and reminders that can help you stay organized and stick to your routine. Also, if you're trying to adopt new habits, incorporate them gradually. Adding too many changes at once can be overwhelming and lead to early abandonment. Focus on one or two habits at a time and give them time to become automatic. This will allow you to maintain some discipline in your routine.
- Evaluate your routine. Take the time to regularly analyze how you feel throughout the week. If you're exhausted, review your schedule and try to leave yourself more free time to rest. Make sure you do activities that make you feel good too. Don't neglect time for yourself, your friends and your family.
2. Have a stable sleep schedule
After an often more relaxed summer period, it can be difficult to return to your usual sleep schedule and resume your morning habits. To ease this transition between lifestyles, set your alarm 15 minutes earlier each morning until you reach your desired wake-up time. This gradual method will allow your body to gently adapt to changes and will prevent you from abrupt and stressful awakenings.
You can also choose bedtimes and wake-up times that allow you to sleep between 7 and 9 hours per night. Try to stick to these times, even on weekends, to regulate your body clock.
3. Limit forgetting
Plan your clothes, bag or work materials the night before to save valuable time the next morning. You can also plan your snacks and lunches in advance. Use your diary to write down your various tasks and deadlines. To motivate yourself to get back on track, you can also set daily and weekly goals. Now that your calendar is well organized, you can visualize upcoming events so you can prepare.
Don’t hesitate to use lists and reminder apps. You will save yourself a lot of stress by writing it down and thus avoid forgetting it. Make a list of things you need to do every week, every 2 weeks, every month, etc. For example, every first of the month, you can write in your calendar to order meat from Réserve Locale to fill your freezer. 😉
4. Plan meals
Your diet plays a central role in your daily life. Indeed, a healthy and balanced diet gives you the necessary energy and influences your mood, your concentration and many other aspects of your life. Meal planning has many benefits in your diet, but also in your routine:
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Improved Health : By planning your meals in advance, you can make healthier, more balanced choices, making sure to include a variety of nutritious foods in your diet.
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Financial Savings : Planning your meals helps you avoid impulse purchases and expensive takeout meals. You can buy ingredients in bulk and use leftovers to reduce food waste.
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Saves time : By preparing certain meals in advance, you save valuable time during the busy week. No more deciding what to cook every day!
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Stress Reduction : Meal planning eliminates the pressure of having to improvise a meal at the last minute, which can be stressful.
Now that we understand the benefits, here's how to plan your meals in advance:
Step 1: Set your goals
Before you begin, define your meal planning goals. This could include: eating healthier, losing weight, saving time, or simply avoiding daily hassles.
Step 2: Create a calendar
Use a calendar to note days you plan to cook at home and days you might eat out or have leftovers. This will help you get an overview of the week. You can also have a calendar on the refrigerator that the whole family can observe. This will save you from hearing the question: “What’s for dinner?” 😉
Step 3: Choose your recipes
Select the recipes you want to prepare for each day of the week. Be sure to include a variety of proteins, vegetables, whole grains and other nutritious foods. Don't forget to consider how much time you have to cook each day.
Step 4: Make a Shopping List
Once you have chosen your recipes, make a detailed shopping list based on the ingredients needed. Be sure to check what you already have at home to avoid purchasing duplicate items.
Step 5: Prepare and cook in advance
Take advantage of days when you have more time to prepare certain items in advance. You can cut and wash vegetables, cook proteins, and even prepare individual portions for on-the-go lunches or dinners.
Step 6: Proper Storage
Be sure to store prepared meals properly to maintain their freshness. Use airtight containers to prevent leaks and preserve food flavor.
Step 7: Be flexible
Life is unpredictable, so be prepared to adjust your plan based on circumstances. If something changes, adapt while keeping your goals in mind.
Step 8: Reassess and Adjust
At the end of each week, take a moment to evaluate what worked well and what could be improved. This will help you refine your meal planning skills over time.
By following these steps, you will be able to plan your meals in advance effectively, allowing you to eat healthier, save time, and reduce the stress of meal preparation.
Consult our three articles to find out more!
5. Managing expectations
The period of returning to work and going back to school can sometimes cause great stress. You don't have to be too hard on yourself, give yourself the time you need to get back into the rhythm!
Start by setting short-term and long-term goals, taking into account your interests and abilities. This will help you stay focused on what really matters and avoid feeling overwhelmed by unrealistic expectations.
Also take the time to do activities that make you feel good. Reading, meditation, and yoga can help you reduce tension and find your inner calm. Sport, for its part, releases endorphins promoting well-being. Spending time with your partner and friends can also help you unwind and relax. Balancing work and play is crucial to maintaining good mental health!
By putting these tips into practice, you will be better prepared to approach the start of the school year with confidence and serenity. Remember that it's normal to need some time to adjust, so be kind to yourself during this transition period.
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