Use These Strategies To Create A Routine You Can Stick To During The Holidays
The busyness of the holidays makes it seem like there is no place for any kind of routine. But oh the irony in that thinking! There is no more important time to stick to a routine than during the holidays. While the chaos circles around us, our routines are like anchors that keep our minds peaceful and focused, or bodies rested, and our family and home life running smoothly.
Keep Your Routine Simple
A routine is not the same thing as a schedule. A schedule is a list of items organized by date and time that can change daily, weekly, or monthly.
On the other hand, a routine is more like a rhythm that you and your family follow. Routines usually switch up seasonally to accommodate for things like Summer break, holidays, etc.
My household routines, for example, change significantly around the boys’ school and sports’ schedules as well as seasonally.
The biggest advantage of a routine is that it creates touchpoints throughout your busy days that let your brain know when familiar things are going to happen.
Things like breakfast, lunches, and dinner, family time, quiet time, nap times (for younger children…or moms!), errand days, specific cleaning routines, and bedtimes. Having a routine reduces stress for the whole family.
Adjust Your Routine At The Beginning Of The Season
It’s safe to say that most of us start to feel the holiday buzz as back to school is well underway. It’s a good idea to check in with your routine at the end of September and see how it is working for you and your family.
With cooler days starting to pop up, our rhythms also change. You might want to stay longer in bed or skip the evening walks you loved during the summer. Think about how you can include exercising in your schedule to stay healthy and active.
Your meal planning will most likely change as well. Not only we’re looking for slow-cooked, comfort foods but the available vegetables are changing forcing us to update the menu.
Finally, your closet will ask for a change and now it’s a great time to declutter your closet and the kids’ closets too! Small items can be sent to donation and you can make a list of what the kiddos will need for the colder months ahead.
If you have a hard time letting go of the kids’ clothing (I know, they grow so fast!), you may find it easier if you find a family in need to give their clothes to. It’s very comforting to know people who need will make great use of things you loved and cared.
Make any adjustments you need to before the holidays get underway.
3 Holiday Routine Must-Haves
Every person and every family is different. Creating a successful routine that you will stick to requires taking everyone’s needs into consideration. Here are a few things that should be a part of everyone’s holiday routine.
1. Maintain your bedtime
The always crucial and sometimes elusive, sleep. However difficult it may seem to squeak in those 7-8 hours a night, especially during the busy holiday times. In order to keep things running smoothly, you need to make good, consistent sleep a priority for you and your family. Sleep is the cornerstone of good health, both mental and physical.
2. Maintain your morning routine
This one is also very important. It’s always a good idea to try to catch the whole family together for even 10 minutes in the morning over the breakfast table to check-in on what everyone has going on during the day. Making this a priority of your routine will bring confidence in hectic times that no one is missing anything or important things are being forgotten.
3. Maintain mealtimes
Meal plan ahead for the whole month if you can and stick to it. Preparing ahead by menu planning, food prepping, and cooking at regular times will save you and your family from endless fast food and take out runs. Eating out all the time is not only unhealthy, but it’s also expensive!
Conclusion
These tips will help you adjust your routine and create one that you can stick to during the busy holiday season. Hectic times are when we need our routines the most. Give yourself the git of a stress-free holiday season with a great family routine that will keep your whole family happy and healthy during the holidays!
Do you have a routine that works for you? Need some help with creating one? Ask me your questions in the comments and check out this post!
Thank you for sharing, I desperately need an article that helps me to manage my schedule on holidays.