5 tips for getting back into the swing of the new school year

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 the year with serenity. Here are five tips to help you ease back into your routine:

1. Establish a Routine

Having a regular schedule allows for better time organization and reduces stress. By planning wake-up and bedtime hours, time for physical activity, meals, social activities, and more, you ensure you have enough time to fulfill your daily responsibilities while also reserving time for your passions.

1. Set goals and make a list of things you want to achieve in the short and long term.
2. Prioritize tasks. This way, you'll avoid neglecting urgent activities, and your time will be strategically allocated to where you need to invest more time and energy.
3. Organize your schedule. Divide each day into time slots, including morning and evening routines, meals, work, leisure, etc. This will allow you to allocate tasks and activities to appropriate times of the day. An agenda is a crucial time management tool—it provides an overview. Use it as your dashboard!
4. Be realistic. Keep some free time. These moments will help you recharge by taking time for yourself. Unexpected events might require you to adjust activities and adapt your schedule. Having free periods will make it much easier for you to be flexible.
5. Stay disciplined. You've probably heard of the theory of 21 days to build a routine. Well, you'll find that if you stick to your commitments for 21 consecutive days, you'll develop new habits that become automatic.
6. Evaluate your routine. Regularly take the time to analyze how you feel throughout the week. If you're exhausted, review your schedule and try to allocate more time for rest. Make sure to engage in activities that make you feel good as well. Don't neglect time for yourself, friends, and family.

2. Gradually Wake Up Earlier

After a more relaxed summer period, it can be challenging to return to your usual sleep schedule and 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 approach will allow your body to adapt gently to the changes and avoid abrupt and stressful awakenings.

3. Plan Ahead

Prepare your clothes, bag, or work essentials the night before to save precious time the next morning. You can also plan your snacks and lunches in advance. Use your agenda to note down your different tasks and deadlines. To motivate yourself to get back on track, set daily and weekly goals. Now that your agenda is well-organized, you can visualize upcoming events and prepare accordingly.

Feel free to use lists and reminder apps. Noting things down will save you a lot of stress and prevent forgetfulness. Create a list of things you need to do weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, etc. For example, every first of the month, you can write in your agenda to order meat from Réserve Locale to stock up your freezer. 😉

4. Meal Planning

Your diet plays a central role in your daily life. A healthy and balanced diet provides the necessary energy and affects your mood, concentration, and many other aspects of your life. To ensure you eat well during lunchtime, plan your lunches. If you don't want to spend a day each week cooking all your lunches, you can simply make an extra portion of dinner and save it for the next day!

Check out our three articles to learn more!

• 3 Healthy Recipes to Cook Simultaneously
• Optimize Your Lunches
• Guide for Lunch Planning

5. Stress Management

Returning to work can bring about significant stress. Don't be too hard on yourself; allow yourself the necessary time to get back into the rhythm!

Start by identifying stress sources. Analyze your environment, daily life, relationships, etc., to determine moments when you feel anxious.

To help you identify signs of stress, here are a few:

Physical signs: headaches, muscle tension, appetite fluctuations, sleep disturbances, etc.

Cognitive signs: concentration problems, memory loss, inability to disconnect, etc.

Emotional signs: anxiety, irritability, feeling overwhelmed, frustration, etc.

Take time to engage in activities that make you feel good. Reading, meditation, and yoga can help reduce tension and regain your inner calm. Exercise, on the other hand, releases endorphins that promote well-being. Spending time with your partner and friends can also help you disconnect and relax.

Provide feedback on your habits. Are your behaviors healthy?

Be mindful of your alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine consumption. Ensure you have a balanced diet and prioritize sleep! Learn to set your limits and say no when you're overwhelmed!

By putting these tips into practice, you'll be better prepared to approach the back-to-school season with confidence and serenity. Remember that it's normal to need some time to adjust, so be kind to yourself during this transition period.