Tips to Get Back to a Regular Routine
It’s time to dive back into reality. Whether you’re heading back to school, starting a new job, or simply adjusting to a new routine, getting back into the groove after time off can be a bit of a shock to the system.
Here are some practical tips to help you reset and make a smooth transition into your routine. From managing your workload to balancing your hobbies, we’ve got you covered.
Start slow
To ease the transition, start gradually – you don’t have to do everything at once. Take time to organise yourself and make a plan for this period. Slowly increase your workload when you feel yourself getting used to it.
Work with your friends, peers, or colleagues to make working more enjoyable and productive. You can help to keep each other on track.
Remember to take short breaks throughout the day to maintain focus and avoid burnout.
Prioritise
Juggling hobbies and activities with school, college, uni or work can be challenging.
Explore what is most important to you and prioritise your activities – consider dropping some if you’ve got too much on.
Think about things like how much you like it, the cost, the time it takes, and the benefits for you.
You can always pick them back up again later if you want to.
Plan and Delegate
Try to share your responsibilities to lighten your workload, and don’t hesitate to say no to new requests or invitations if you’re feeling overwhelmed.
Set realistic goals and make the most of using time management tools to stay organised – set time aside for activities, study, work and relaxation.
There are lots of free ones that you can use on your phone, tablet, laptop or computer, but pen and paper work just as well.
Juggling responsibilities
Beyond work and education, there are lots of pressures we have to face day-to-day that can make managing a routine more difficult.
For example, if you’re a young parent or a young carer, balancing your life with family responsibilities can be particularly demanding.
Try to involve your family in work that’s needed around the house and share childcare or caring responsibilities if possible. You can reach out for support if you’re struggling to cope.
Open communication is key to managing expectations and avoiding conflicts. Set boundaries if you need to.
Make sure to schedule quality time for fun family activities to make memories and strengthen bonds, and make some time for you, too.
Self-care
Prioritising self care is key to looking after your physical and mental well-being. Whether it’s going to the gym, watching a show, reading a book, or having a shower, taking time for yourself is essential.
Don’t forget to make sure you’re getting enough rest and eating well to maintain energy levels. You can’t pour from an empty cup, so looking after your basic needs is super important.
Talk it out
Remember that it’s okay to make mistakes and not be perfect at everything.
Be flexible and adapt to unexpected changes. Celebrate your achievements to stay motivated.
If you’re struggling to cope or just can’t get into the swing of it, seek support from friends, family, or a service like Meic to help you when things feel like they’re getting too much.
