I know that during the summer people like to relax and take things easy. However, I had difficulty doing just that at the beginning of summer break. Don’t get me wrong, I have loved my summer so far, but I felt something was missing. I came to realize that I was missing the routine and structure of going to school.

     I have always been a person who has needed a to-do list and schedule. At the beginning of summer, I was stressed and always ran out of time during the day. Once a routine was started, my time management was in control, and my summer was more enjoyable.

      For example, my weekday schedule for June consisted of waking up at about 6:00 AM, going to summer school from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM, spending my afternoon hanging out with friends and then going to bed around 11 PM. 

     This routine may not be for everyone, but it is what works for me. The goal is to find out what is best for you. A routine can be anything from going to your summer job as a camp counselor or playing video games for two hours before you go to bed. As long as you are doing something regularly, it is considered a routine. 

     “People are creatures of habit, and routines offer a way to promote health and wellness through structure and organization. Having a routine can greatly improve your health,” Northwestern Medicine said.

     If you are still unsure if a routine is necessary, think of it this way. I don’t know if other parents also did this, but mine would make me start going to bed at around 8:00 PM or 8:30 PM a week or two before elementary school started. It was to get me in the habit of going to bed earlier. I thought it was ridiculous at the time because no eight-year-old likes being told what to do, but I now understand and appreciate why my parents did that.

     While a routine is beneficial, it does not have to be something huge. You don’t have to plan your whole day out, but maybe decide that you are going to wake up at 9:00 AM or walk your dog right after dinner. This also may help with the transition back into the school year.  

      If you are ever in a situation where you seem stressed all the time, a routine could be helpful and vital to having an enjoyable summer.