Easing Back Into a Schedule

Written by Rachel Quigley

Our summer ministry schedule is a little bit more relaxed. We plan backyard barbeques, enjoy picnics, family campouts and a whole host of other relationship building moments with our church families. So when the full-fledged ministry schedule kicks back into gear, along with school and other obligations the schedules can seem a bit full. The challenge of getting back into a full swing schedule and thrive in it can feel a bit much. So I thought I would share some ideas for making the transition from summer to a more scheduled time.
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EVALUATE THE SCHEDULE: 

This is a great time to sit down with your family and decide what you want this season to look like. Using the principle of putting the “big rocks” on the schedule first will help you evaluate the important things that need to happen. This can also go for ministry and work schedules as well. When you have the big things in the schedule then you can re-evaluate the other obligations and scheduling conflicts.
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GO OVER THE BUDGET: 

​Expenses and income should be evaluated as well especially in our economy today with our dollar not going as far as it used to. The budget will also influence the schedule as well in determining what can and should be done.
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CLEAN AND ORGANIZE YOUR WORKSPACE:

​After summer break it’s a good idea to sort, organize, and replenish supplies for the new season. It’s also nice to have a clean slate and space to start again.
 

MEAL PLAN:

​For some this seems like a nightmare but honestly meal planning makes your weekly schedule so much better. Scheduling cuts down on expenses and lessens stress. There are many great plans out there for meal planning strategies so check out the internet for a system that works for you. In our busiest times, meal planning is a life saver!      
 

ADJUST YOUR BEDTIME ROUTINE:

​Summer days are for late nights and lazy mornings. But all good things must come to an end, and that includes a relaxed bedtime schedule. Start going to bed a little earlier each night and getting up a little earlier each day. Adjusting gradually will be better especially for kids going back to school. 
 

ESTABLISH & KEEP A REGULAR EXERCISE ROUTINE:

​If you want to be productive, moving your body helps. Exercise builds our stamina to endure more and gives us more energy throughout the day. Even just a 20 minute walk or stretching regularly can make a difference.
 

​SCHEDULE IN SOME FUN:

​Even though we are heading into a more heavily scheduled season it doesn’t mean we still can’t have some fun. Scheduling some fun gives us a break and something to look forward to on the calendar.
 

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​JUMP INTO THE CONVERSATION:

• What is your biggest struggle in getting back into a schedule?
• What do you enjoy about starting a new season?
• Which of these ideas will you start with first?