How to Manage Your Back to School Routine For Maximum Success
With school back in session, do you feel as prepared as you could be? Or did it feel like the school season blindsided you? There’s no judgment here! After the summer vacation, it feels hard to get back into the swing of school or work. But it doesn’t have to feel like an uphill climb.
The good news is that it’s never too late to switch up your habits. For students and adults alike, it’s always a good idea to have a consistent routine to cut through the morning chaos. No more running around, forgetting things, or panicking when you’re getting ready.
These habits are sure to set you up for success no matter where you are in life.
Start A Morning Routine
Are you the kind of person that showers in the morning? Do you feel your best after doing some cardio before starting your day? How long does it take you to shake off the cobwebs? Make note of what makes you feel your best and how long it takes you to do each task.
Getting into the habit of timing each task you do will give you an idea of how long it takes. It will help you plan out your morning more efficiently. If you get in the habit of tracking your time, it will never have a chance to get away from you.
For example, if you know that brushing your teeth, doing a quick walk around the block, and eating breakfast takes you a half an hour, wake up an hour beforehand. That way, you’re giving yourself a generous buffer before you leave for the day.
Have Breakfast
It’s called the most important meal of the day for a reason. As the name suggests, you’re breaking your fast from sleeping. Eating kick starts your metabolism, and fuels your body with much needed energy from vitamins and nutrients.
Even if you’re the kind of person that’s not hungry right away, it’s important to keep something on hand to take with you. There are plenty of grab-and-go options from the freezer aisle of the grocery store.
If you’re more into prepping and cooking when you get up, make sure to prep everything the night before. That way, everything is ready to throw together at a moment’s notice.
And of course, be sure to drink a glass of water before having any caffeine. You’re dehydrated from sleeping and caffeine will dehydrate you further.
Prepare the Night Before
You’ll save yourself so much time in the morning by laying out what you know you’ll need the night before. Make yourself a checklist of everything you need for class (books, pencils, homework) and personal items you need throughout the day (masks, hand sanitizer, period kits). Put it on a dry erase board so you can consistently check off for everything you need and repeat the next day.
Also, plan your outfit for the next day. Shuffling through your clothing in the morning can take time - especially if you’re indecisive! You could use that extra time to do something else more enjoyable.
It’s a great time to pack your lunch for the next day, too. That way you only have to grab your lunch bag from the refrigerator on the way out.
Night Routine
Similar to the morning routine, having a consistent night routine will make your morning a lot easier. Lay out your clothing so you don’t have to decide what to wear the next day. Pack your bag with everything you need for your day.
It’s also a good time to limit screens at least an hour before you know you’re going to sleep. The blue light emitted from phones and television can keep you awake since they delay melatonin production.
If you’re used to scrolling through your phone before bed, start a new habit. Try some gentle yoga, journaling, or reading instead. It may be hard at first if you’re used to having a screen at the ready. With consistency, your new habit will signal to your brain that it’s time for bed.
Are there any morning or nightly habits that we missed that help you? We’d love to hear about what you do to set yourself up for success. Tell us in the comments below. Your tips may help out a fellow Ruby Lover.
