How to get back on track after summer

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The other night, I found myself watching an episode of Tidying Up with Marie Kondo. I went through a phase of binge-watching this series (I love Marie’s calming vibe) but haven’t had it on in a while. I still haven’t got myself fully back into the swing of things since the summer holidays finished and I was hoping Marie would inspire me to get my **** together.

So now that the new term is well underway, we should be back in our normal routines, right? I thought I would be but to be totally honest, I’m not quite there yet. If you’re the same, and your head isn’t quite back in the game, then hopefully this post will help us to get back on track and ready to smash the last quarter of 2019. You ready?

Tips to get back on track after summer

Clear your head

Looking after the kidlets all summer really is all consuming isn’t it? There is just no headspace to be found, no quiet time. Their constant chatter – as hilarious as it can be – is completely exhausting. I love spending time with Ethan but there were (many) moments when I really just needed some silence.

Can you put some time aside where you get that quiet time you need? I know it can be difficult to find the time but it is really important. You don’t want to burn out before you’ve even really got going! Give yourself the opportunity to take a pause, and press reset.

Sort out your sleep

Your sleep patterns probably shifted over the summer with later nights and more relaxed mornings. It’s important to make sure you’re getting enough sleep now that you’re up earlier in the mornings.

We get our children to bed nice and early but we’re not so strict with ourselves. I’m guilty of getting lost in the scroll and not turning off my light as early as I should, and I’m feeling tired because of it.

It’s hard because evenings are often the only time you get to yourself, and you want to make the most of it, but getting the sleep you need is super important too. Listen to your body and if you need to get to bed a bit earlier, do it.

Write down your priorities/goals for the rest of the year

I love a bit of goal-setting and have neglected the process lately. But it’s so important. And it’s not just a work thing either, for your personal life too. Maybe you want to ask your work if you can go part time? Or you want to start running? Maybe you want to make more time to see your friends.

I know you’re probably thinking, “I haven’t got time for that!” but please make time. Goal-setting is absolutely worth spending time on as it’ll help keep you on track for the rest of the year. Be accountable too, and check in with your progress to see how you’re getting on.

Get organised at home

I’m totally subscribe to Marie Kondo’s philosophy that if you have an organised home, this will positively impact the rest of your life. I love a clean house and hubby is all about the tidy, so for both of us, it’s important that our home reflects that.

If your home could do with a sort out, it could well be adding to your stress levels. Try having a good old declutter and see how you feel afterwards. I always feel amazing after getting the house sorted. For me, it’s like therapy!

Revisit your routines

It’s a good time to think about whether your daily routine still works for you or whether it needs some slight tweaking.

Morning routines are key when you’ve got little ones to get ready and you need to get to work. I’ve shared some ideas in a previous post about how to make your mornings run more smoothly. Not always possible but at least the intention is there, right? You want to try and give yourselves the best possible start to the day.

What about after school? Are you always rushing around trying to fit in too many clubs and activities? Try to focus only on the ones your kids really love doing, otherwise it’s a waste of your time and theirs!

Can you prep dinner at all? Some super organised people prep their weekday dinners at the weekend. It’s not something I’ve mastered yet but I’m open to giving it a go sometime. I like the idea of not having to stress about dinner every day but also I’m just not sure if I can be quite that organised!

Get an exercise routine in place

Exercising over the summer just did not happen for me. I felt bad about it but I had to let it go, what with moving house followed by three weeks of chicken pox!

I feel really lethargic, and I just don’t feel good in my body right now. So I’m currently working out my new weekly routine and I’m looking forward to getting back on it.

We all know regular exercise makes us feel so much better, inside and out, but it’s so easy to skip it. Make time each week to workout, move more and feel good.

There was recent guidance released on how much exercise we should be doing, and what type of exercise, depending on our age group. How do your activity levels compare?

And finally…don’t be too hard on yourself

Don’t berate yourself for not always living up to your own expectations. I think as mums, as parents, we are super hard on ourselves, most of the time. We put an awful lot of pressure on ourselves to be perfect, when we know perfection is not possible. We are all doing our best and we’re doing a great job.

September is a great time to reset and take stock of where you’re at. It always feels like a fresh start for me. Think about what you need to do to enjoy your life more, and make that a priority. Let’s see 2019 out on a high.

Share your thoughts

How are you doing post summer holidays? Are you struggling or have you effortlessly slipped back into your old routine? Are there things you think you can do to enjoy life a bit more? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

Natalie xx