15 Jan 2023 | 3 mins

Let’s face it, we’re all grateful that there’s no more early school mornings five days a week. Hopefully you’ve been able to hit the snooze button more since graduating. Many of us are feeling relieved that the rigid routines of high school are over, leaving some breathing room.

But after a while of having graduated school, this sense of chill can turn into stress. Why, you ask? Because I realised that the morning and night routines I did every day for school made me feel safe, comfortable and stable. Without the constant routine, I felt lost and out of control of my life.

A good and regular routine is so crucial to feel confident, consistent and ready to face new challenges. That mixed with a solid amount of rest and relaxation to recharge after a stressful year, are key to feeling balanced in your ‘new normal’.

Here are 4 ways to get back to a steady routine after finishing high school:

1. Make a big list

Do a brain dump and write down all the things you want in your routine. Have a mix of essentials (think showering and eating dinner) along with some things you would like to start doing, like journalling or stretching before bed. Make sure to include all the things that make you feel productive, relaxed and happy.

2. Sort priorities and be realistic

It’s time to prioritise what is most important to you. Maybe for you, reading for 30 minutes before bed is more important than having an hour to scroll Tiktok.

It’s also important to be realistic. While a lot of us would love to do an hour of yoga and two hours of reading in the morning, it may not work with our part time jobs that start at 7am. A shorter time frame may be more realistic for certain tasks. So figure out what is practical to repeat on a daily basis based on your other commitments.

3. Try your new routine and improve it

Some aspects of your new routine, you’ll love and enjoy. But for other tasks, you may realise it’s just not for you, and that’s perfectly normal.

You may try 1 hour of weightlifting and decide Zumba is more for you. Or maybe a 5am alarm clock is just not sitting right with your night owl self, so instead you can move some of your routine to before you go to bed.

Remember to do what works for you. Don’t be too hard on yourself.

4. Be kind to yourself

It’s okay to skip your routine sometimes and take a break.

It’s meant to be enjoyable and good for your lifestyle, so don’t be afraid to take some time away if you need to.

The routine will always be there for you to pick up. Your routine is there to help make your life a little easier during a period where everything can feel a little up in the air.

Hopefully this helps us to find the calm in the chaos by building habits that make us our best selves!

Written By Isabella Orton