Virginia has a law about kids starting school before Labor Day, so my kids technically have one more week of summer. However, this morning, they start a full day Martial Arts camp. (Why, yes, I am nervous about Shoo learning how to fight with swords…)
So, today our lives return to a schedule. I tend to be a very flexible, fly by the seat of my pants, sort of person, but when it comes to health and fitness, I do actually do well on a schedule. Now I just have to force my body back to reality.
Here’s how I’m planning to do it:
- Just do it. I know that sounds simplistic, but despite going to bed too late last night, I got up at my “school” time this morning. Yes, it was painful when the alarm went off, but shocking my system into a new pattern works better for me than slowly moving my bedtime/wakeup time. The hard part will be powering through the 3pm hour.
- Eat breakfast. My body is completely out of whack when it comes to meals lately. As I sit here typing this, I’m not really hungry. I’m going to eat something small anyways. Otherwise, I’ll end up starving later and totally not be on a normal meal schedule.
- Run first. I have a lot of stuff to get done this week. I have a conference coming up where I’m presenting on social media (GAH!). We are refinancing the house. I need to return some stuff/buy more stuff for school. Oh, and that thing called a Hjob? Yeah, I have a bunch of stuff piled up there to get finished. But, as soon as I drop the kids off, I’m going for a run. It may not be long, but I’m going.
- Plan my day. I’ve spent the whole summer just floating through the day. As nice as that was, I pretty much accomplished nothing. I need to start getting into an actual work/running/errands schedule so I can actually get some stuff done this week and into the school year.
- Cut myself some slack, but keep going when I fall. I know I’m not perfect. I’m sure at some point I’ll end up taking a nap or eating a handful of nuts and calling it a meal. But that’s ok as long as I keep my goals in mind and don’t let one slip up screw me up.
How do you get back on track after the summer? Do you move slowly towards a schedule or do you do the “rip the bandaid off quickly” method that I prefer?
Also, I’d love it if you’d head over to my Facebook page and give me an opinion on handheld water bottles. I left mine on the plane and need to buy a new one. Sigh.
Great ideas! I rip off the band-aid and get back to it 100%.
For me it is 100% remembering I’m only as out of whack as my NEXT CHOICE which can git me IN WHACK.
And being kind to myself too. For sure.
When Summer started I made myself a schedule and decided to run every morning. And then I did! It helped keep me sane when all the kids were around. So for me there’s no getting back into the swing of things: I was swinging all during Summer.
Yeah, I’m jumping in. But not before I made four thousand to-do lists and calendars. Just for this coming week. I tend to stress myself out I guess! Your tip about running first is going to be the hardest thing I have to deal with. I have an 8am class tomorrow. So this is going to be my first earlyearlyearly wake up. I’m nervous.
My son is only three so not in school yet but I find there is something about the beginning of fall that signifies a more scheduled life and I love it! People are more available and children’s programs start up again meaning we are busier – in a good way!
Sounds like a good plan. In theory, having the kids back in school should make it easier. Sometimes, however, more time means time not well utilized! Good luck getting it done.
I’m all for jumping right into the new routine too. I try to make a plan for the day/week but allow for changes as the situation needs. I wish I could force myself to stick to the plan a little better. I miss my early morning runs. I haven’t gotten up quite early enough to beat my husband’s early work start. Hopefully I will be able get up a few days this week. Running at noon is still a bit hot most days. Enjoy getting used to the new routine.
I totally get this post! The success of my healthy lifestyle depends upon a schedule. If I fall out of routine, I’m just off. So, this weekend I had to recharge and revamp my schedule since I’ve been crazy bust these past 2 weeks. I prepped all meals for an easy-grab-n-go set up. I’ve scheduled my workouts and I’m back on track, motivated by new goals. You’ve got this. Stay strong!
It seems like Fall and Back to School signal a fresh start, doesn’t it?
I think your list is a good one… getting organized and into a routine is a great way to get back on track… Good luck with it.
And hope your kids enjoy the martial arts camp. Sounds neat.
I prefer the band aid method as well:) No slow and steady for me. Glad you have some alone time this week to get some stuff done before school starts!
You are well organised for sure! We don’t have long vacations like your summer but 4 x shorter breaks instead. Even after those the kids take some time to get back into things.
The core bit of your plans sound exactly like mine. If you ever see me skipping breakfast, I’m probably ill. 😉
You nailed all of my usual tips… the planning/scheduling it in is key for me. And usually running first, otherwise I spend the rest of the day wondering how/when to fit it in. Good luck resuming a routine again!
I schedule all of my running, but mostly because I try to run with a partner or a group and we need to coordinate. Without a schedule, it usually doesn’t happen for me
I definitely do a better job when my day is scheduled and jam packed full of things to do. You will get back on track although we all deserve some time to “float” too : )
I’m all about just ripping the band-aid off and diving into the new schedule. My kids start next week too. Good luck getting back into the swing of things~
Running first is the best gift that you can give yourself. You’ll probably get through your day better whenever you do.
Those first couple of weeks back into a routine are the toughest. Another reason that I’m so glad my kids are out of school 🙂
A first day is a new day to start something just waiting to be lived. In all of it, there’s a lesson to be learned underneath it all 🙂 (Whether the first day is an exciting one or not lol)
I like the relaxed nature of summer , but I also like getting back to a schedule in the fall. Either way though, I run when I run. I can’t ever follow through on scheduling that!
I love starting school before Labor Day. We do 3 days, then 4 days (Labor Day week) and then 5. Perfect for easing back.