Getting Back Into the Routine

As I drive around the area, I realize that we are again about to find ourselves in the season of fall. There are a few trees, whose leaves are daring to turn colors, that we associate with October, and there are frantic families in the school supply section of local stores trying to find exactly what they need. These are signs of the need to get ready for the routine that is the school year. I am no longer a student, and have no reason to pay much attention to the school calendar. However, my practice and the people around me are caught up and affected by it, so it seems to be something I live by, as well. Even without the need to know the first day of school or the bus schedule, it seems that everyone somehow gets back to what they are supposed to be doing about the time September comes around. We have had a great summer here in Wisconsin, and many of us have spent time doing things we can’t do any other time in the year—going to the lake, engaging in water sports, sunbathing, and being at the beach. However, as we close up cabins and pack away the swimwear, we find that many of the things we were supposed to be doing all summer now need a little attention. Many of us know the things that we are supposed to do, but we do not do them. Maybe this is the time to start counting calories again, or getting back into that exercise routine. Some of us need to again be careful to follow up on what our children are doing, or remembering when we need to be home to receive children after school. More than just being somewhere or getting another season’s clothing out, it’s important to return to the things that are important. Now that “usual life” is here, it’s important to continue to make time for important people in our lives. Too many of us can get caught up in the “busy” of life, and don’t also make the time for the important. This might mean a special one on one time for each of your children, or calling a friend or relative that you haven’t spent a lot of time with in recent months. Maybe it’s time to reconnect with a neighbor or someone in a group with you. Now that we are beginning to think about Fall and the things that need to be done, it can be a great time to be proactive and plan to keep our stress level at a minimum. That may mean keeping lunch dates or date nights on the calendar. It might mean remembering to say “no” to the many requests you receive. It might mean making appointments for yourself with someone who helps you keep your stress level low – a massage therapist, a counselor, a mentor, a friend. All of these people can help us as we learn better and better to take care of ourselves. Also, when we are in good health, we can take better care of others. The daily stresses of life do not affect us as much. The weekend that your child brings home the classroom hamster becomes fun instead of a chore. The many piles of laundry do not seem so overwhelming. Keeping yourself in good shape really does help! All it takes is a few weeks of not balancing boundaries well to get us behind the proverbial “8 ball” in care of ourselves. Make a plan for this Fall, that not only includes the things of life that are necessary, but remembers the things that are important…friendships, exercise, honoring commitments, keeping on top of things like stress and anger, spending quality time with your spouse, and remembering to enjoy the beauty of Fall. The beautiful colors of the leaves on the trees only come once a year, and it’s the only time we can enjoy them. Find the beauty in the things of Fall instead of only seeing the work. It’s worth the view… ---Contributed by Stephanie Hamann, Licensed Professional Counselor, Center for Human Development, Wausau, Wisconsin